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Back to news4 Counties Manukau Heat players named in Black Ferns squad for 2019 test series.
Bay of Plenty’s Les Elder has been named as captain for a new look 2019 Black Ferns squad featuring 10 uncapped players.
Elder (13), a specialist number 7, made her debut in the black jersey in 2015 and was part of the 2017 World Cup winning squad. Kendra Cocksedge (47) and Selica Winiata (36) have been named as co-vice captains.
Black Ferns Head Coach Glenn Moore said Elder was a natural leader who had quickly made an impact on the culture of the squad since her debut in 2015.
“On the field Les is uncompromising, and her knowledge of the game is outstanding. Off the field she has the ability to bring players together and bring out the best in them. She is a clear communicator, setting high standards for herself for others to follow."
Moore has included seven new forwards and three backs. Three of the uncapped players have been named in previous squads but are yet to have their start in the black jersey.
Joanah Ngan-Woo (Wellington), Kilisitina Moata-ana (Otago) and Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu (Counties Manukau) have all been named in the squad previously and haven't had their debut.
The Black Ferns squad is (Test caps in brackets).
FORWARDS
Eloise Blackwell (37) Auckland
Forne Burkin Canterbury
Luka Connor Bay of Plenty
Les Elder (Captain, 13) Bay of Plenty
Karli Faneva Bay of Plenty
Aldora Itunu (20) Auckland
Phillipa Love (7) Canterbury
Charmaine McMenamin (19) Auckland
Toka Natua (16) Waikato
Aleisha-Pearl Nelson (29) Auckland
Joanah Ngan Woo Wellington
Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate (23) Counties Manukau
Marcelle Parkes (2) Wellington
Leilani Perese (5) Counties Manukau
Kennedy Simon Waikato
Charmaine Smith (21) Auckland
Pia Tapsell North Harbour
Harono Te Iringa Counties Manukau
Cristo Tofa Auckland
BACKS
Chelsea Alley (18) Waikato
Kelly Brazier (37) Bay of Plenty
Grace Brooker Canterbury
Kendra Cocksedge (Co-Vice Captain, 47) Canterbury
Krysten Cottrell (5) Hawke's Bay
Kiritapu Demant (2) Bay of Plenty
Ruahei Demant (5) Auckland
Theresa Fitzpatrick (9) Auckland
Carla Hohepa (19) Waikato
Ayesha Leti-I'iga (3) Wellington
Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu Counties Manukau
Kilisitina Moata'ane Otago
Natahlia Moors (1) Auckland
Alena Saili (2) Southland
Renee Wickliffe (35) Bay of Plenty
Selica Winiata (Co-Vice Captain, 36) Manawatu
*Not considered due to injury: Monica Tagoai (Wellington) and Jackie Patea-Fereti (Wellington).
Moore said preparation for the Women's Rugby Super Series 2019 in San Diego was well under way and it was a chance for the new players in particular to impress at international level.
“Everyone has a desire to be selected for the 2021 World Cup but we have a job to do first in the US, and it's an opportunity for these players to show what they are capable of.
“The young talent we've seen at recent camps is very encouraging and it's meant selection has been difficult and some very good players have missed out.”
“I’m looking forward to trying new combinations and building more depth in the squad, particularly in key positions, so that in two years’ time we will be spoilt for choice.”
Moore and his selectors have included three Black Ferns Sevens players, in Kelly Brazier, Theresa Fitzpatrick and Alena Saili after they made themselves available for consideration with the support of their Sevens coaches.
He said all three players had all previously been part of the Black Ferns 15s programme and were keen to continue to be included if, and when, circumstances allowed.
“We know the priority for the Black Ferns Sevens is the Tokyo Olympics and the players’ welfare is always our top concern. These players are part of our squad and have the blessing of their sevens coaches to join us. We’re thrilled to have them on board.”
The Black Ferns international Test season starts next month with the Women’s Rugby Super Series 2019 when they will face USA, Canada, France and England.
Black Ferns 2019 schedule
The Black Ferns squad is (Test caps in brackets).
FORWARDS
Eloise Blackwell (37) Auckland
Forne Burkin Canterbury
Luka Connor Bay of Plenty
Les Elder (Captain, 13) Bay of Plenty
Karli Faneva Bay of Plenty
Aldora Itunu (20) Auckland
Phillipa Love (7) Canterbury
Charmaine McMenamin (19) Auckland
Toka Natua (16) Waikato
Aleisha-Pearl Nelson (29) Auckland
Joanah Ngan Woo Wellington
Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate (23) Counties Manukau
Marcelle Parkes (2) Wellington
Leilani Perese (5) Counties Manukau
Kennedy Simon Waikato
Charmaine Smith (21) Auckland
Pia Tapsell North Harbour
Harono Te Iringa Counties Manukau
Cristo Tofa Auckland
BACKS
Chelsea Alley (18) Waikato
Kelly Brazier (37) Bay of Plenty
Grace Brooker Canterbury
Kendra Cocksedge (Co-Vice Captain, 47) Canterbury
Krysten Cottrell (5) Hawke's Bay
Kiritapu Demant (2) Bay of Plenty
Ruahei Demant (5) Auckland
Theresa Fitzpatrick (9) Auckland
Carla Hohepa (19) Waikato
Ayesha Leti-I'iga (3) Wellington
Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu Counties Manukau
Kilisitina Moata'ane Otago
Natahlia Moors (1) Auckland
Alena Saili (2) Southland
Renee Wickliffe (35) Bay of Plenty
Selica Winiata (Co-Vice Captain, 36) Manawatu
*Not considered due to injury: Monica Tagoai (Wellington) and Jackie Patea-Fereti (Wellington).
Moore said preparation for the Women's Rugby Super Series 2019 in San Diego was well under way and it was a chance for the new players in particular to impress at international level.
“Everyone has a desire to be selected for the 2021 World Cup but we have a job to do first in the US, and it's an opportunity for these players to show what they are capable of.
“The young talent we've seen at recent camps is very encouraging and it's meant selection has been difficult and some very good players have missed out.”
He said the departure of some Black Ferns stalwarts in crucial positions particularly in the forwards meant other players could now stake their claim.
“I’m looking forward to trying new combinations and building more depth in the squad, particularly in key positions, so that in two years’ time we will be spoilt for choice.”
Moore and his selectors have included three Black Ferns Sevens players, in Kelly Brazier, Theresa Fitzpatrick and Alena Saili after they made themselves available for consideration with the support of their Sevens coaches.
He said all three players had all previously been part of the Black Ferns 15s programme and were keen to continue to be included if, and when, circumstances allowed.
“We know the priority for the Black Ferns Sevens is the Tokyo Olympics and the players’ welfare is always our top concern. These players are part of our squad and have the blessing of their sevens coaches to join us. We’re thrilled to have them on board.”
The Black Ferns international Test season starts next month with the Women’s Rugby Super Series 2019 when they will face USA, Canada, France and England.
Black Ferns 2019 schedule
Women’s Rugby Super Series 2019 in San Diego, USA
Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
Saturday, 29 June
v Canada
Kickoff: 11am (NZT)
Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
Wednesday, 3 July
v USA
Kickoff: 12.15pm (NZT)
Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
Sunday, 7 July
v France
Kickoff: 12.15pm (NZT)
San Diego State University’s Torero Stadium
Monday, 15 July
v England
Kickoff: 8am (NZT)
Laurie O’Reilly Memorial Trophy
Optus Stadium, Perth
Saturday 10 August
v Australia (With All Blacks v Australia)
Kickoff: 7pm (NZT)
Eden Park, Auckland
Saturday 17 August
v Australia (With All Blacks v Australia)
Kickoff: 5pm (NZT)
Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
Saturday, 29 June
v Canada
Kickoff: 11am (NZT)
Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
Wednesday, 3 July
v USA
Kickoff: 12.15pm (NZT)
Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
Sunday, 7 July
v France
Kickoff: 12.15pm (NZT)
San Diego State University’s Torero Stadium
Monday, 15 July
v England
Kickoff: 8am (NZT)
Laurie O’Reilly Memorial Trophy
Optus Stadium, Perth
Saturday 10 August
v Australia (With All Blacks v Australia)
Kickoff: 7pm (NZT)
Eden Park, Auckland
Saturday 17 August
v Australia (With All Blacks v Australia)
Kickoff: 5pm (NZT)
