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How good are these Black Ferns as they seek to defend their world rugby title?
How good are these Black Ferns as they seek to defend their world rugby title?

Newsroom

time2 days ago

  • Sport
  • Newsroom

How good are these Black Ferns as they seek to defend their world rugby title?

Sixteen players from the 2022 Rugby World Cup-winning squad are making a return, including inspirational co-captains Kennedy Tukuafu and Ruahei Demant, as well as Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, who is the leading try scorer in World Cup history (for both male and female players). Woodman has scored 10 tries in her past two test matches since coming out of retirement earlier this year. Jorja Miller, the winner of the Kel Tremain Memorial Medal, headlines the list of World Cup first-timers alongside 2024 Black Ferns Player of the Year Kaipo Olsen-Baker, who, but for injury, would likely have been selected in 2022. All three halfbacks are set to experience their first World Cups, with Black Ferns Sevens star Risaleaana Pouri-Lane joining Iritana Hohaia and Maia Joseph as contenders for the starting position. Hooker is another position with limited experience, with Atlanta Lolohea and Vici-Rose Green serving as backups to Georgia Ponsonby, who is the best in her position by a country mile. There are no test debutants in the squad. Who was unlucky to be cut? What are some of the other issues facing the team? What are the Black Ferns' leading rivals up to? King Dethroned Since May 2024, Hannah King has had numerous opportunities to establish herself, having played in 10 Tests. She started as a first-five for most of 2024 and was even nominated for the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year. However, in 2025, Ruahei Demant returned to the first-five position, and King found herself mostly coming off the bench. Recently, for the Australian Test in Wellington, King was dropped from the bench in favour of 35-year-old Kelly Brazier, who had not played any international matches since 2021 and is better known as a second-five. At just 21 years old, King's career is still in its early stages, and the next World Cup in Australia in 2029 could be her opportunity to shine. However, it would be disappointing for her that all the investment didn't yield a World Cup spot. Might she reconsider her rugby future? The Women's National Rugby League, or a spell in England, could be desirable. Attention Bayfield The least experienced player on the team is Laura Bayfield, who, after only 25 minutes against Australia, is boarding the plane to England. Bayfield, the top tackler in the Farah Palmer Cup (FPC) last year, comes from a military background and covers lock or loose forward. Bayfield made her debut for Canterbury in the 2023 FPC and has played 16 games for her province, achieving 11 victories and scoring three tries. Black Ferns Director of Rugby Alan Bunting has had his eye on the Cantabrian for some time, remarking: 'Laura was a standout throughout Super Rugby Aupiki this year and has put in the work. She topped all stats for the Black Ferns XV in Whangārei and deserves her debut. It's a proud moment for Laura and her whānau.' Bayfield's selection likely comes at the expense of Maama Vaipulu, who was not only very impressive in her seven Tests but also holds two Super Rugby Aupiki titles with the Blues and a 2023 FPC Premiership title with Auckland, making her a domestically elite player. Vaipulu is physically imposing, an explosive athlete from a volleyball background. Bayfield is more in the workhorse category, as is Chelsea Bremner, who played all 12 Tests in 2022 but has struggled to hit those heights since. Was Vaipulu covering the flanks considered? Bayfield, with less experience and silverware, has made a rapid ascent. Ruby World Cup? Social media went into meltdown when it was announced that Ruby Tui wouldn't be heading to England. However, this decision isn't surprising given the Black Ferns are stacked when it comes to wingers. Frankly, it would have been a scandal to exclude Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Katelyn Vahaakolo, or Ayesha Leti-I'iga from the team. When Bunting was asked about the possibility of Tui being recalled, he replied, 'The door's not closed, but performances matter.' Despite scoring two tries and delivering a high-energy performance in a tough trial match, and a try in the Black Ferns' 37-12 victory over Australia, Tui's efforts weren't enough to regain her place. Is this harsh? In a position where raw speed is crucial, Tui's near decade in age difference compared with Vahaakolo and Leti-I'iga may have counted against her. Spare a thought for Mererangi Paul. Paul brings greater versatility than Tui, as she can play at centre and is more accustomed to the fullback position, which Tui has also covered. Paul has an impressive record, scoring 14 tries in 14 Tests, yet she was also cut from the squad. Goal kicking: Does it actually matter? A lack of decent goal kicking options is an area in which Black Ferns selectors have been challenged, but it might not matter, at least not as much as male rugby. In 38 Rugby World Cup matches, the Black Ferns have won 36 times and scored 289 tries, converting just 143 of those. They have kicked 23 penalties, with just two of those slotted in 2022. In the past three and a half seasons, the Black Ferns have converted 114 of 211 tries and kicked 11 penalty goals in 31 Test matches. The most penalties they have kicked in a single game is two, and that was in a 27-29 loss to Ireland. The advent of professionalism hasn't resulted in a significant improvement in the Black Ferns' goal kicking success rate. However, the inclusion of Renee Holmes suggests it is at the forefront of selectors' minds. Holmes kicked 16 of the Black Ferns' 29 conversions in 2024 and 19 of their 45 in the ground-breaking 2022 season, where they won a dozen internationals on the trot. With only one outing against Australia, in July, and a one-from-five goal-kicking record, Holmes' past reputation with the boot can be the only explanation for her rapid ascent from outcast to tourist. Albeit a smaller sample size, the goal kicking of England and France was outstanding in the 2025 Six Nations. The Roses were on target with 27 out of 39 kicks, but French fullback Morgane Bourgeois was kicking them like Thomas Ramos, with 26 goals from 29 attempts. Oh Canada If all goes according to plan, the Black Ferns and Canada are likely to top their respective groups and face each other in the semi-finals. This week, Canada announced their 32-player squad, which includes 21 returning players from the previous campaign. The team will be captained by Alexandra Tessier, a nominee for the 2024 World Rugby Player of the Year, who is set to compete in her third Rugby World Cup. Veterans Tyson Beukeboom, Olivia DeMerchant, and Karen Paquin will also be participating in their fourth Rugby World Cup. Sophie de Goede, a goal kicking loose forward, might be the best women's rugby player on the planet and is vitally returning from a serious knee injury. Canada nearly pulled off an upset against the Black Ferns Sevens in the 2024 Paris Olympic final. Six players from that team—Caroline Crossley, Fancy Bermudez, Florence Symonds, Olivia Apps, Asia Hogan-Rochester, and Taylor Perry—are featured in the World Cup squad. Since 2023, Canada has lost just five of 20 test matches, including a historic victory against the Black Ferns in 2024 and two wins over France. England The numbers are imposing: 55 wins in the last 56 Tests, including a streak of 25 consecutive victories. Officially ranked World Number One for 244 successive weeks, England have won 42 home games in a row since 2016. The Red Roses World Cup squad comprises 32 players with a total of 1,374 international caps among them, including 24 players with previous World Cup experience. Marlie Packer and Alex Matthews are heading to their fourth tournaments and Emily Scarratt (118 Tests, 103 wins, 789 points) will attend her fifth. What's new? Abi Burton, May Campbell, Mackenzie Carson, Kelsey Clifford, Maddie Feaunati, Lilli Ives Campion, Jade Shekells, and Emma Sing are all making their tournament debuts. Carson originally switched her allegiance from Canada and has been a strong anchor for the English scrum, boasting 21 Test wins since 2023. She plays for Gloucester-Hartpury, who have won the past two English Premier Leagues. Maddie Feaunati previously played for Wellington, where her father, former Samoan international Isaac Fe'aunati, lived both before and after his time in England. Like her father, she is known for being an aggressive loose forward. In their match against the Black Ferns in Vancouver last year, England secured a decisive 49-31 victory, with all nine tries scored by outside backs and only two converted. England has transformed its playing style from the dull, set-piece-dominated approach of 2022. However, they can still revert to type, having successfully shut down a bold Canada in one of their few genuine contests last year, winning 21-12. France created chaos in the second half of the Six Nations decider in May with their expansive, unpredictable attack resulting in a 43-32 loss. England was a mile in front at halftime but looked genuinely flustered against a side with size and spontaneity. The Black Ferns need to do the same, but with a bit more calculation than the cavalier style of 2022, and they might have a fighting chance.

How Black Ferns comebacks and versatility shaped the World Cup squad
How Black Ferns comebacks and versatility shaped the World Cup squad

NZ Herald

time5 days ago

  • Sport
  • NZ Herald

How Black Ferns comebacks and versatility shaped the World Cup squad

Another to overcome injury is Kaipo Olsen-Baker. The fierce loosie was set to be a breakout star at the 2022 tournament, having debuted in that year's Pacific Four Series. However, tragedy struck when she broke her leg just two months out from the World Cup kick-off. Olsen-Baker has fought her way back into form, battling with stalwart Liana Mikaele-Tu'u for the starting 8 jersey. It'll be her pleasure and ours when she makes her World Cup debut. Redemption is also the name of the game for veteran Kelly Brazier. Selection into this squad must have felt a long way off after a disappointing omission from the Black Ferns Sevens Olympic team. However, Brazier was determined to hang up her boots on her own terms. The workhorse got back on the field where she started, playing her way up from the Farah Palmer Cup. From there Brazier secured a spot in the Chiefs Manawa and showed just enough to ensure selectors didn't write her off this time. A defining feature of Allan Bunting's time with the Black Ferns is the willingness to reward form. He has named 23 debutantes in this cycle and a good chunk of those players have made it through. Players like Kate Henwood, Chryss Viliko, Layla Sae and Katelyn Vahaakolo have become regular features of the last two seasons, while Atlanta Lolohea and Maia Joseph have more recently made key positions their own. Four players have rocketed up the ranks this season. Vici-Rose Green, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Laura Bayfield and Braxton Sorensen-McGee all burst into our living rooms this year. Bayfield is the true bolter, with a debut in the last possible test ahead of the tournament. This may feel like a lot of new blood but Smith himself debuted 12 players in the last World Cup year, ultimately selecting six of them. The team, then, is a mix of experience, of transferred sevens stars and of emerging talent. Selection has walked the tightrope between specialist and versatility. Around 40% of this squad have a second position they can play in to a high standard. We are offered a lot of flexibility at lock and back row. We have first fives who can cover second five and fullback where needed. Half of those outside backs named can cover first five, centre, wing or fullback. A lack of versatility likely counted against certain players when it came to making the final call. We only had room for two specialist wingers, and Ayesha Leti-I'iga and Katelyn Vaahakolo had been the preferred starters since 2022. When Portia Woodman-Wickliffe came out of retirement, this heavily narrowed Ruby Tui's chances. She still gave her all but this time, came up short. That's the painful part of selections, but there's no doubt Tui will be cheering this team on. So we should follow her lead, just as we did after the World Cup's final whistle and tūtira mai ngā iwi, tātou tātou e! Black Ferns Rugby World Cup squad Props: Chryss Viliko, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Kate Henwood, Tanya Kalounivale, Amy Rule, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu. Hookers: Georgia Ponsonby, Atlanta Lolohea, Vici-Rose Green. Locks: Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Alana Bremner, Chelsea Bremner, Laura Bayfield. Loose forwards: Kennedy Tukuafu, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Jorja Miller, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Layla Sae. Halfbacks: Risileaana Pouri-Lane, Maia Joseph, Iritana Hohaia. First-fives: Ruahei Demant, Kelly Brazier. Midfield: Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai'i Sylvia Brunt, Amy du Plessis, Stacey Waaka, Theresa Setefano. Outside backs: Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Ayesha Leti-I'iga, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Renee Holmes. Non-travelling reserve: Krystal Murray. Alice Soper is a sports columnist for the Herald on Sunday. A former provincial rugby player and current club coach, she has a particular interest in telling stories of the emerging world of women's sports.

Black Ferns World Cup squad: Few surprises but no room for Ruby
Black Ferns World Cup squad: Few surprises but no room for Ruby

1News

time5 days ago

  • Sport
  • 1News

Black Ferns World Cup squad: Few surprises but no room for Ruby

Black Ferns coach Allan Bunting has named his squad for the upcoming World Cup, with a settled looking 32 players set to defend their title. Despite a call up for the Black Ferns' last Test, Ruby Tui has missed out on a place in the highly competitive outside back group. Unsurprisingly, all available Black Ferns Sevens players have been selected, with Jorja Miller's inclusion creating an intriguing situation in the loose forward mix. Co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu is seemingly assured of a starting spot, so how Miller fits in the remaining starting spots will be interesting. Thirty-five-year-old Kelly Brazier will play in her fourth World Cup after earning a late lifeline against the Wallaroos earlier this month, which was her first Test since 2021. Brazier – who has played 44 tests across a 16-year career – could be playing her fifth World Cup but missed the 2022 tournament due to being in the Black Ferns Sevens side. Lock Laura Bayfield makes the squad after debuting earlier this month, she joins Maiakawanakaulani Roos, and Alana and Chelsea Bremner. ADVERTISEMENT Ruby Tui. (Source: Photosport) Fellow Sevens stars Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Theresa Setefano (Fitzpatrick) and Stacey Waaka return for their third World Cup. Woodman-Wickliffe wasn't even supposed to be available after retiring last year and then signalling intentions to play in the NRLW, however the lure of the black jersey and another title has proven be too strong. Tukuafu is joined in the leadership by Ruahei Demant, with the Blues first five coming off back-to-back Super Rugby Aupiki titles. This will be a challenging campaign for the Black Ferns, with England hot favourites going into their home World Cup. The tournament kicks off on August 23 when the hosts take on USA in the tournament opener, with the Black Ferns facing Spain, Japan and Ireland in their pool matches. Black Ferns Rugby World Cup 2025 squad Loosehead props: Kate Henwood, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Chryss Viliko Hookers: Atlanta Lolohea, Vici-Rose Green, Georgia Ponsonby ADVERTISEMENT Tighthead props: Tanya Kalounivale, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Amy Rule Locks: Laura Bayfield, Alana Bremner, Chelsea Bremner, Maiakawanakaulani Roos Loose forwards: Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Jorja Miller, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Layla Sae, Kennedy Tukuafu (cc) Halfbacks: Iritana Hohaia, Maia Joseph, Risaleaana Pouri-Lane First five-eighths: Kelly Brazier, Ruahei Demant (cc) Midfielders: Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i Sylvia Brunt, Amy du Plessis, Theresa Setefano, Stacey Waaka Outside backs: Renee Holmes, Ayesha Leti-I'iga, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe ADVERTISEMENT Non-travelling reserve: Krystal Murray Black Ferns World Cup schedule Black Ferns v Spain Kick-off: 4.30am Sunday, August 24 York Community Stadium, York Black Ferns v Japan Kick-off: 1am Sunday, August 31 ADVERTISEMENT Sandy Park, Exeter Black Ferns v Ireland Kick-off: 1.45am Sunday, September 7 Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium, Brighton Quarter-finals: September 14-15 Semi-finals: September 20-21 Final: September 28

Black Ferns World Cup squad named: few surprises but no room for Ruby
Black Ferns World Cup squad named: few surprises but no room for Ruby

RNZ News

time5 days ago

  • Sport
  • RNZ News

Black Ferns World Cup squad named: few surprises but no room for Ruby

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe returns for her third World Cup. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/ Black Ferns coach Allan Bunting has named his squad for the upcoming World Cup, with a settled looking 32 players set to defend their title. Despite a call up for the Black Ferns' last test, Ruby Tui has missed out on a place in the highly competitive outside back group. Unsurprisingly, all available Black Ferns Sevens players have been selected, with Jorja Miller's inclusion creating an intriguing situation in the loose forward mix. Co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu is seemingly assured of a starting spot, so how Miller fits in the remaining starting spots will be interesting. 35-year-old Kelly Brazier will play in her fourth World Cup after earning a late lifeline against the Wallaroos earlier this month, which was her first test since 2021. Brazier - who has played 44 tests across a 16-year career - could be playing her fifth World Cup but missed the 2022 tournament due to being in the Black Ferns Sevens side. Lock Laura Bayfield makes the squad after debuting earlier this month, she joins Maiakawanakaulani Roos, and Alana and Chelsea Bremner. Fellow Sevens stars Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Theresa Setefano (Fitzpatrick) and Stacey Waaka return for their third World Cup. Woodman-Wickliffe wasn't even supposed to be available after retiring last year and then signalling intentions to play in the NRLW, however the lure of the black jersey and another title has proven be too strong. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe of New Zealand during the O'Reilly Cup - New Zealand Black Ferns v Australia. Photo: Masanori Udagawa/Photosport Tukuafu is joined in the leadership by Ruahei Demant, with the Blues first five coming off back-to-back Super Rugby Aupiki titles. This will be a challenging campaign for the Black Ferns, with England hot favourites going into their home World Cup. The tournament kicks off on 23 August when the hosts take on USA in the tournament opener, with the Black Ferns facing Spain, Japan and Ireland in their pool matches. Loosehead props : Kate Henwood, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Chryss Viliko Hookers: Atlanta Lolohea, Vici-Rose Green, Georgia Ponsonby Tighthead props: Tanya Kalounivale, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Amy Rule Locks: Laura Bayfield, Alana Bremner, Chelsea Bremner, Maiakawanakaulani Roos Loose forwards: Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Jorja Miller, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Layla Sae, Kennedy Tukuafu (cc) Halfbacks : Iritana Hohaia, Maia Joseph, Risaleaana Pouri-Lane First five-eighths: Kelly Brazier, Ruahei Demant (cc) Midfielders: Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i Sylvia Brunt, Amy du Plessis, Theresa Setefano, Stacey Waaka Outside backs: Renee Holmes, Ayesha Leti-I'iga, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe Non-travelling reserve: Krystal Murray Black Ferns v Spain Kick-off: 4:30am Sunday 24 August York Community Stadium, York Black Ferns v Japan Kick-off: 1am Sunday 31 August Sandy Park, Exeter Black Ferns v Ireland Kick-off: 1:45am Sunday 7 September Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium, Brighton Quarter-finals : 14-15 September Semi-finals: 20-21 September Final: 28 September

Swann reflects on Gisborne's Rugby Park redevelopment, surge in player numbers
Swann reflects on Gisborne's Rugby Park redevelopment, surge in player numbers

NZ Herald

time23-07-2025

  • Business
  • NZ Herald

Swann reflects on Gisborne's Rugby Park redevelopment, surge in player numbers

Swann said the success of locally born-and-bred Black Ferns and Black Ferns Sevens players such as Renee Holmes, Charmaine McMenamin, Kaipo Olsen-Baker and Kelsey Teneti also promoted women's rugby and showed there was a pathway for talented players. He said Horowhenua-Kāpiti was the only one of the other 25 unions to match Poverty Bay's increased player numbers, which came at a time of economic challenges and growing competition from other codes. The Covid-19 era was another testing time, Swann said. 'We were still having matches. Rugby was operating in a bubble. We worked so hard. It was really, really hard to keep going, but we did. 'We were wiping down posts and pads. We were wiping everything. We were breaking people down into groups, but we got there.' Gisborne's Kelsey Teneti in action for New Zealand against France at the Singapore 7s earlier this year. The success of Teneti and other Gisborne-connected female players is a factor in the increase in female player numbers in Tairāwhiti, says Hayden Swann in reflecting on his tenure as Poverty Bay Rugby Football Union chairman. Photo / Jayne Russell, Photosport The annual report said the Rugby Park redevelopment had been impacted significantly by the Covid-19 pandemic, Cyclone Gabrielle and inflation. But the union decided to develop 'our ageing asset' and the $12.5 million grandstand redevelopment, originally costed at $8m, had been fully funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment/ Kanoa Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit and Trust Tairāwhiti. Swann told the Herald the union was showing huge profits for the past two years of around $2.5 million, 'which of course' related to capital project funding for the grandstand redevelopment which had not yet been spent. 'It is not a real profit.' But the union had made an operating profit in 2024 of $45,000. Swann attributed that to an increase in commercial revenue and New Zealand Rugby (NZR) funding being boosted because of increased player registrations. The union retained strong relationships with local sponsors and funders and took a conservative approach to spending, resulting in more revenue and less spending in 2024, he said. The union was now endeavouring to 'put money away'. Swann said interest earned from the union's $500,000 share of the Silverlake equity payout to NZR would be ring-fenced for maintaining assets and would not be spent on staffing or operations. The union wanted to avoid the example of other sporting infrastructure in the district ageing to a point where it was not fit-for-purpose. The grandstand was due for completion next June and would result in a significant uplift in the equity of the union. Swann said the union had assets of only $321,000 back in 2018 and recorded a deficit of $129,000. Swann, who has stepped aside after serving as an independent member of the PBRFU board for the maximum period of three three-year terms (seven years as chairman), said his nine years had been the most rewarding and enjoyable time of any organisation he had served on. 'Being chairman is a privileged position because you are working for New Zealand Rugby,' the Makaraka School principal said. 'There are 25 other provincial union chairmen [and] you learn from their knowledge, experience and capabilities. 'Rugby is such a neat network and such a giving network.' The new union chairman is Trust Tairāwhiti general manager economic development Hayden Green.

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