The New Zealand women's rugby coach Brian Evans has named five new caps in his 26-strong Black Ferns squad to take on England in three test matches in Auckland and Hamilton next month.
Evans has included 17-year-old Papatoetoe High School student Onjeurlina Leiataua, 18-year-old Mele Hufanga, of Auckland, Waikato's Chelsea Alley and two more Aucklanders - former Mystics netballer turned sevens champion Portia Woodman, and Charmaine McMenamin.
Newcomer Woodman is one of four Black Ferns currently on duty with the World Series champion New Zealand women's sevens team heading to Moscow for the Rugby World Cup Sevens next week.
She is joined by fellow sevens squad members, experienced first-five-eighth Kelly Brazier of Otago, Manawatu police officer Selica Winiata, and Counties Manukau's Renee Wickliffe.
Fiao'o Fa'amausili of Auckland has been named captain for her second campaign, with veteran Black Fern Victoria Grant of Waikato coming back from injury to regain her spot in the side, and the deputy duties.
The Black Ferns kick off the series against England at Eden Park on July 13th, a match to be played as the curtain-raiser to the Blues versus Chiefs Super Rugby match.
Both teams then head to Waikato Stadium for the second test on July 16th before closing out in Pukekohe on July 20th.
Black Ferns squad (* denotes new cap):
Front Row:
Melodie Bosman, Wellington
Fiao'o Fa'amausili, captain, Auckland
Ruth McKay, Manawatu
Karina Stowers Auckland
Stephanie Te Ohaere - Fox, Canterbury
Kathleen Wilton, Otago
Locks:
Eloise Blackwell, Auckland
Vita Dryden, Auckland
Jackie Patea, Wellington
Loose forwards:
Rawinia Everitt, Counties Manukau
Justine Lavea, Auckland
Charmaine McMenamin, Auckland *
Casey Robertson, Canterbury
Aroha Savage, Counties Manukau
Halfbacks:
Kendra Cocksedge, Canterbury
Emma Jensen, Auckland
First five-eighths:
Kelly Brazier, Otago
Amiria Rule, Canterbury
Midfield:
Chelsea Alley, Waikato *
Mele Hufanga, Auckland *
Onjeurlina Leiataua, Auckland *
Claire Richardson, Auckland
Outside backs:
Victoria Grant , vice-captain, Waikato
Selica Winiata , Manawatu
Portia Woodman, Auckland *
Renee Wickliffe, Counties Manukau
