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The excitement of Friday’s Rugby World Cup draw in Auckland makes Saturday’s final audition even more meaningful for New Zealand’s elite women’s rugby.
The Black Ferns learned of their first opponents in the group stage (Australia, Wales and a final qualifier) for their world title defense at home in 2021.
The draw, attended by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and All Blacks great Dan Carter, will no doubt have been closely watched by the team preparing to face the New Zealand Barbarians in Nelson.
Dave Rowland / Getty Images
The Black Ferns play their final game of 2020 against the New Zealand Barbarians in Nelson.
For the Black Ferns and Baabaas, Saturday’s clash at Trafalgar Park will be one of the last opportunities to impress before next season, which culminates with the World Cup in September and October, as well as being the last chance to win a contract for 2021..
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Black Ferns assistant coach John Haggart said that the majority of New Zealand Rugby (NZR) contracts for their 15-year program would be decided next month, following their two games against Baabaas and the Possible vs Probable clash two ago. weeks. NZR hopes to host test matches for 2021 in April or May, if Covid-19 allows.
The world champions won 34-15 against the Barbarians in Auckland last Saturday, the first match they played as a team in 15 months, but they were unconvincing and can expect another serious challenge in their second match against a team made up of experienced players. test and those who aspire to wear the black shirt.
“He’s helping shape our next level of players,” Haggart said. “There are girls there currently hired, getting a shot at a Black Ferns team, and it’s the best of both worlds because we have the team we have chosen and a completely different group of players.
“If they can prove us wrong, they will have a chance to be part of our group in 2021.”
Dave Rowland / Getty Images
Black Ferns midfielder Chelsea Alley dropped Kilisitina Moata’ane in Auckland last Saturday.
Haggart said the barbarians provided a level of competition that they were “really satisfied with” given the absence of test rugby in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but were unhappy with aspects of their game, such as running in attacking, defensive decisions, and too many “unacceptable” skill errors.
The Black Ferns led 20-0 in the first half and appeared in cruise control, but the Barbarians refused to let go so easily.
Grace Brooker’s try with 12 minutes to go, following a favorable rebound, was the defining moment and the Black Ferns, who have made many changes for the second game, will want a more clinical performance to end their season on a positive note. .
There were six debutants in game one and two more, outside backs Grace Steinmetz and Renee Holmes, will wear the black jersey for the first time on Saturday.
Steinmetz, experienced in hockey, touch and sevens, has excelled in 15 seconds after a strong season for Cup champions Farah Palmer Canterbury and has a shot on the right wing.
“My tactile skills translated very well, but I had to learn the aggressive side of things, like tackling, but I’m very excited to go out and put everything into practice,” she said.
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Grace Steinmetz makes her Black Ferns debut on the right wing.
“With the Black Ferns, I’ve learned a lot and I’m just trying to absorb it all. This is just the beginning of what will come before the World Cup.
“I hope to impress the coaches this weekend and put myself in a good position.”
The Black Ferns will review the last three weeks after Saturday and meet at the end of January.
The Barbarians’ clash is part of Saturday’s double game along with the men’s Miter 10 Cup first division semifinal between Tasman and Bay of Plenty.
TAKE A LOOK:
What: Black Ferns v New Zealand Barbarians
Where when: Trafalgar Park, Nelson, Saturday, 4:35 pm
Black ferns: Renee Holmes, Grace Steinmetz, Amy du Plessis, Chelsea Alley, Langi Veainu, Ruahei Demant, Kendra Cocksedge; Charmaine McMenamin, Kennedy Simon, Pia Tapsell, Chelsea Bremner, Eloise Blackwell (c), Aleisha-Pearl Nelson, Ngata-Aerengamate School, Phillipa Love. Bookings: Luka Connor, Toka Natua, Aldora Itunu / Tanya Kalounivale, Kelsie Wills, Aroha Savage, Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu, Hazel Tubic, Natahlia Moors / Selica Winiata.
Barbarians of New Zealand: Carys Dallinger, Lyric Museum, Janna Vaughan, Christian Moata’ane, Crystal Mayes, Patricia Maliepo, Ariana Bayler; Cindy Nelles, Marcelle Parkes, Alana Bremner (c), Maiakawanakaulani (Maia) Roos, Joanah Ngan-Woo, Amy Rule, Rebecca Todd, Krystal Murray. Bookings: Saphire Abraham, Jay Jay Taylor / Grace Houpapa-Barrett, Olivia Ward-Duin, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Morgan Henderson, Iritana Hohaia, Shyanne Thompson, Rosie Kelly.
