Black Ferns squad for England tests

New Zealand Black Ferns coach Brian Evans has named five uncapped players in his 26-strong squad for their three-match tour of England in November, a key part of their build up to the defence of their Women’s Rugby World Cup crown in 2010.

Kelly Brazier, Barbara Chittock, Amanda Murphy, Claire Rowat and Renee Wickliffe are all in line to make their international debuts on a tour which sees the Black Ferns face England twice with a match against England A in between.

The highlight of the tour for the Black Ferns, who will be bidding for a fourth successive World Cup title in England next August and September, will undoubtedly be the double header at Twickenham on 21 November when they take to the field after the All Blacks have faced Englands men.

Evans and his assistant Grant Hansen may have selected five new players, but nearly half of the squad played at the last Women’s Rugby World Cup in Canada in 2006 with eight involved in the final itself, which New Zealand won 25-17.

Squad

Kelly Brazier (Otago), Olivia Coady (Canterbury), Kendra Cocksedge (Canterbury), Barbara Chittock (Canterbury), Fiao’o Faamausili (Auckland), Victoria Grant (nee Blackledge) (Auckland), Victoria Heighway (Auckland), Carla Hohepa (Otago), Linda Itunu (Auckland), Emma Jensen (Auckland), Justine Lavea (Auckland), Ruth McKay (Manawatu), Rebecca Mahony (nee Hull) (Wellington), Beth Mallard (Otago), Huriana Manual (Auckland), Amanda Murphy (Canterbury), Karina Penetito (Auckland), Casey Robertson (Canterbury), Vita Robinson (Auckland), Claire Rowat (Wellington), Amiria Rule (nee Marsh) (Canterbury), Melissa Ruscoe (Canterbury), Stephanie TeOhaere-Fox (Canterbury), Anika Tiplady (Canterbury), Kimberly Smith (Canterbury), Renee Wickcliffe (Auckland).

Tour schedule

14 Nov – England v New Zealand @ Esher RFC
17 Nov – England A v New Zealand @ Esher RFC
21 Nov – England v New Zealand @ Twickenham

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