Rugby
1News

Black Ferns pick unchanged squad for Eden Park Test, aim to 'improve' on big Sydney win

August 23, 2018
Black Ferns' Stacey Waaka takes on the Wallaroos defence at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. Wallaroos v Black Ferns, Bledisloe doubleheader. ANZ Stadium, Sydney, Australia. 18th August 2018. Copyright Photo: David Neilson / www.photosport.nz

The Black Ferns have named an unchanged squad from last weekend's convincing win over the Wallaroos in Sydney for a repeat clash at Eden Park on Saturday.

The Black Ferns comfortably disposed of their Aussie rivals 31-11 last week but coach Glenn Moore says he's hoping for an improved performance in Auckland.

"This week, I'm expecting everyone will improve even more and I'm looking forward to seeing what the team can deliver," he said.

"We've obviously spent the week reviewing our performance and identifying where we need to fine tune.

"In Sydney, we adjusted our gameplan when Australia started shutting down our outside backs. Our forwards really stepped up and helped us get the points.

"It showed we have the ability to be nimble, but we’ve talked about the fact we created opportunities and didn’t always finish them."

Moore could be forced to make one change though with front rower Aldora Itunu bracketed while she tries to overcome a cut on her leg she sustained in last week's contest.

If Itunu is ruled out, Leilani Perese will take the No.3 jersey with Aleisha Nelson promoted to the bench.

Despite the issue, Moore says Ituna has progressed well throughout the week and is "expected" to remain in the line up.

Black Ferns:  Selica Winiata, Renee Wickliffe, Stacey Waaka, Theresa Fitzpatrick, Alena Saili, Ruahei Demant, Kendra Cocksedge.
Aroha Savage, Les Elder, Charmaine McMenamin, Charmaine Smith, Eloise Blackwell, Aldora Itunu / Leilani Perese, Fiao'o Faamausili, Phillipa Love.

Reserves: Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate, Cristo Tofa, Leilani Perese / Aleisha Nelson, Jackie Patea-Fereti, Linda Itunu, Kristina Sue, Krysten Cottrell, Chelsea Alley

SHARE ME

More Stories