10 Matatū Players Named to face USA
Matatū players continue to dominate Blacks Ferns squad selection. Seven named to face the Wallaroos (50-0) on 29 June, nine versus Canada (52-21) on 9 July and now 10 to face USA on Saturday 15 July (Friday 4pm in Ottawa).
Rosie Kelly and Lucy Jenkins will make their first start in the Black jersey in a huge shake up and showcase of the depth in the team.
Kelly will make her first appearance in the number 10 jersey for the Black Ferns this weekend since playing a key role in Matatū’s Super Rugby Aupiki Grand Final win
Grace Steinmetz is making her return from injury and set to light up the left wing. She missed the final matches of Super Rugby Aupiki 2023 due to concussion before Matatū’s inaugural title win.
Amy Rule forms part of the front row, and it’ll be an all-Matatū midfield with Grace Brooker and Amy du Plessis controlling the centre, Brooker making her long-awaited return to the Black jersey.
Full of Grace: Grace Brooker and Grace Steinmetz will both be fizzing to get back into a starters jersey this weekend!
Ready to make an impact off the bench are Georgia Ponsonby, Phillipa Love and Renee Holmes – all experienced Black Ferns and 2021 Rugby World Cup champs.
The Black Ferns face USA on Saturday 8am (Friday 4pm in Ottawa). They’re coming off two victories, a 50-0 win over the Wallaroos and a gritty 52-21 against Canada. The USA have lost their last two matches (50-17 versus Canada, 58-17 versus Australia), but have showed promise in both fixtures.
Saturday’s game will the last for the Black Ferns as part of the Pacific Four Series.
Black Ferns match day 23 (Test caps in brackets) * debutant
1. Esther Faiaoga-Tilo*
2. Grace Gago*
3. Amy Rule (14)
4. Joanah Ngan-Woo (18)
5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (16) (Captain)
6. Lucy Jenkins (1)
7. Kendra Reynolds (11)
8. Liana Mikaele-Tu'u (13)
9. Iritana Hohaia (2)
10. Rosie Kelly (2)
11. Grace Steinmetz (1)
12. Grace Brooker (3)
13. Amy du Plessis (9)
14. Kelsey Teneti (2)
15. Tenika Willison (1)
16. Georgia Ponsonby (15)
17. Phillipa Love (26)
18. Tanya Kalounivale (8)
19. Chelsea Bremner (14)
20. Kennedy Simon (15)
21. Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu (14)
22. Ruahei Demant (28)
23. Renee Holmes (12)