Black Ferns v Black Ferns XV: Trial to give players chance to stake claim for World Cup squad
Over the next two weeks, the side will compete against the Black Ferns XV and Australia, with players looking to cement themselves in the squad tasked with defending their title as world champions in England.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
an hour ago
- RNZ News
Warriors wahine stumble to champion Roosters in NRLW return
Warriors hooker Capri Paekau looks for support against Sydney Roosters. Photo: Mark Kolbe/ NZ Warriors have quickly learnt how much ground they must make up in their NRLW return, succumbing 30-6 to defending champions Sydney Roosters in their 2025 season-opener. After a four-year hiatus forced by the Covid pandemic, the Auckland club fielded a largely untried team - only seven players had previous experience in the Australian competition - against the reigning premiers in Sydney. The Warriors weathered the early storm from their rivals, but conceded first points, when winger Payton Takimoana spilled the first pass from a tap restart inside her own 20 and Roosters winger Jayme Fressard capitalised in the opposite corner. Moments later, sevens star Michaela Brake made a meal of her first high kick in rugby league and Taina Naividi powered over for the Roosters' second try. Rugby convert Patricia Maliepo, playing at five-eighth, opened the Warriors account, from a sustained period of pressure on the Roosters goal-line, converting her own try to keep her team in contention. The Roosters kicked into another gear and Naividi had her second try, after the Warriors charged down a kick, but the ball quickly found Roosters star Isabelle Kelly, who carved through the backpedalling defence. Takimoana fielded a kick on her goal-line and was driven back for a dropout, and from the restart, Naividi picked up a first-half hattrick to put the titleholders ahead 18-6 at the break. From the second-half kickoff, Warriors forward Matekino Gray was dispossessed of the ball and Roosters counterpart Rima Butler rumbled over from the ensuing scrum. As fatigue set in, the Warriors began falling off tackles or committing basic errors that had them constantly on the back foot. When captain Apii Nicholls spilled the ball in her own half, Fressard seemed to have her second try, but Brake did enough to drive her into touch, as the Roosters winger suffered a dislocated elbow in the process. Moments later, Nicholls threw a long pass beyond her winger into touch and the Roosters struck again through lock Olivia Kernick, as the scoreline began to mount. Naividi was denied a record-equalling fourth try by a forward pass and, at the other end of the field, former Black Fern Shakira Baker lost the ball over the tryline. The Warriors had other opportunities to add to their tally, but their hands let them down at close range. Brake could not find enough space to show her speed, but fellow sevens exponent Tysha Ikenasio was probably the Warriors' best, running for a team-high 168 metres, while Maliepo's unorthodox rugby skills translated well to league. Coach Ron Griffiths now has seven days to address the issues, before his team face Parramatta Eels - 18-16 winners over Cronulla Sharks in their opener - at Go Media Stadium.
NZ Herald
19 hours ago
- NZ Herald
All Blacks v France player ratings - How the All Blacks rated in first test win
3. Fletcher Newell - 6 Made the most of the starting role and the few scrums. High work rate in first half and made nine tackles to round out a decent outing. 4. Scott Barrett - 7 Big work-rate and even got a charge down in for good measure. Left the field after 57 minutes with an Achilles injury. 5. Fabian Holland - 8 A fine debut in a strong 80-minute effort. How often do you see that from a new lock? Earns another test to see if we have the new Brodie Retallick. Led the All Blacks with 17 tackles and also had 13 carries. 6. Tupou Vaa'i - 7 The move to the side of the scrum is worth trying again after a commendable effort. Won a turnover and secured a try. 7. Ardie Savea - 8 A quiet start but then made his mark. Not a big test on the defensive end but, as he did all Super Rugby season, an endless supply of hit-ups, leading the match with 19 carries. 8. Christian Lio-Willie - 7 A busy 50-minute debut. Good play in lead-up to the first Will Jordan try, sucking in French defenders. Even had a strip. Was one of leading tacklers when he left the field, replaced by Kirifi. 9. Cam Roigard - 8 The All Blacks had five different halfbacks last year, but the nine jersey is locked in until the 2027 World Cup final. Great dummy and assist to set up opening no-try for Jordie. Quick pass for Vaa'i try. Also had a try-saving tackle. A shame we're not seeing him up against Antoine Dupont. 10. Beauden Barrett - 7 Probably didn't meet his high standards at No 10. Missed a high ball. An impressive chase down tackle in France's first try. Classy assist for first Jordan try. Failed to find touch from a penalty in a mixed kicking night with just nine kick attempts compared to 15 carries, breaking four tackles, but perfect off the tee. 11. Rieko Ioane - 5 The shift to the wing will remain a talking point, much like his replacement in the 13 jersey. He saw more ball in the first half and at least tried to get involved when ball was coming his way in the second. 12. Jordie Barrett - 7 Ahh, the benefits of a sabbatical. Great to see him back on New Zealand soil. Was denied a try before eventually going over. A threat on attack and reliable in defence, so not much has changed during Leinster sojourn. 13. Billy Proctor - 5 Answer at centre? The question remains. Missed tackle in lead-up to France's opening try. Poor pass ended an All Blacks attacking opportunity. Good hands before Jordie Barrett's try. 14. Sevu Reece - 4 Didn't last a minute after early head injury from tackle attempt. 15. Will Jordan 7 Moved to wing early after Reece left the field. Scored a try, as he does. Then scored another, as he does. Nice play in the lead-up to Jordie Barrett try. Wing or fullback, he will still make an impact. Reserves: 16. Samisoni Taukei'aho - 5 17. Ollie Norris - 5 18. Pasilio Tosi - 6 19. Samipeni Finau - 5 20. Du'Plessis Kirifi - 5 21. Cortez Ratima - 5 22. Quinn Tupaea - 6 23. Damian McKenzie - 7 On in first minute for Reece. Threw intercept on attack. Attacking moves set up Vaa'i try. Led the match in running metres with 90 and six defenders beaten.
RNZ News
20 hours ago
- RNZ News
Rugby live updates: Waratahs v British & Irish Lions
Jac Morgan of the Lions celebrates scoring a try. Photo: Darren England/ Photosport The Lions have made a great start to their tour of Australia, with two 50-point hidings. Can the Waratahs slow their momentum before the first test next weekend? Kickoff is at 10pm NZT.
