Black Ferns team named for Twickenham Test
A Kiwi on the run. photo Zoomfiji
Black Ferns Coach Brian Evans has named his side to take on England in the historic double header with the All Blacks at Twickenham on Saturday 21 November (local time).
It will be an extraordinary occasion for the Black Ferns as they run out onto the hallowed turf following the conclusion of the All Blacks v England Test match.
Making her Black Ferns debut at second five-eighth is Auckland’s Renee Wickcliffe.
“It is a great honour to pull on the Black Ferns jersey and to play at Twickenham on the same day as the All Blacks is awesome,” said Wickcliffe.
Evans said this was an opportunity of a lifetime for his players and something they would relish.
“Playing three games in one week has been a big challenge but we are looking to finish this tour with a clean sweep. However, we are under no illusions as to how tough and physical England will be,” he said.
Meanwhile, overnight the IRB announced the pools for the 2010 Women’s Rugby World Cup to be played in England from 20 August to 5 September.
The defending champion Black Ferns have been drawn in a competitive pool A alongside Australia, Wales and South Africa.
The 2010 World Cup Pools are:
Pool A: New Zealand, Wales, Australia, South Africa
Pool B: England, USA, Ireland, Kazakhstan
Pool C: France, Canada, Scotland, Sweden
The Black Ferns to play England on Saturday
1 Ruth McKay
2 Fiao’o Faamausili
3 Beth Mallard
4 Vita Robinson
5 Victoria Heighway (captain)
6 Casey Robertson
7 Justine Lavea
8 Linda Itunu
9 Emma Jensen
10 Rebecca Mahoney
11 Carla Hohepa
12 Renee Wickliffe (debut)
13 Huriana Manuel
14 Victoria Grant
15 Amiria Rule (vice-captain)
16 Claire Rowat
17 Stephanie Te Ohaere-Fox
18 Kimberly Smith
19 Olivia Coady
20 Kendra Cocksedge
21 Anika Tiplady
22 Kelly Brazier
Match details:
Saturday 21 November v England, Twickenham, kick off 4.45pm
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For further information contact:
Kate Hutchison
NZRU Communications Administrator
M: 027 591 4673