The Black Ferns open their 2022 season in Tauranga today against the world No 6 ranked Australian Wallaroos with a new coach at the helm.
Coach Wayne Smith will be in charge for the first time at the Pacific Four Series, with New Zealand taking on Australia, and Canada playing the United States.
MetService is forecasting rain ahead. The weather forecast for Tauranga today is showing showers developing this morning, with some possibly heavy going into the afternoon.
Ruahei Demant will captain the side while Kendra Cocksedge becomes the most capped Black Fern of all time in her 58th test.
Among the seven debutants will be sevens star Ruby Tui on the wing, who makes the switch after a decorated career in rugby sevens with Olympic gold and numerous world sevens series titles to her name.
She says she's looking forward to the new challenge.
"Just the way life works the stars align sometimes, " says Ruby.
"I'm over the moon. I honestly didn't know if this was ever going to happen in my career.
"I played sevens for a long time - and no regrets there."
Australian coach Jay Tergonning has named 14 players from New South Wales in the Wallaroos side.
The No 2 ranked Black Ferns and No 6 ranked Australians are building combinations towards the Rugby World Cup in October, with the Black Ferns playing their first test at home in almost three years.
The game kicks off at the Tauranga Domain at 2:45 today, Sunday June 6, preceded by No 3 ranked Canada versus No 7 ranked USA Eagles.
Captain's shoot ✔️✔️
— Black Ferns (@BlackFerns) June 3, 2022
Bring on Queen's Birthday Monday at 2.45pm!
: v @WallaroosRugby
: Tauranga Domain
: https://t.co/ZWbDLPCd9E
: @sparknzsport #PacificFour2022 pic.twitter.com/28fJS0ofrT
1 comment
It's Game Day
Posted on 06-06-2022 16:18 | By Yadick
And it's raining and the roads are blocked . . . Come to thriving Tauranga and drive the absolute chaos of our roads.
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