Enthralling Rugby Union News: Black Ferns Brace for Decisive Pacific Four Series Clash with Canada
Dunedin, New Zealand – October 28, 2023: In a thrilling BBC rugby union news, the New Zealand Black Ferns are set to take on Canada in a crucial Pacific Four Series encounter this Sunday. Following their dominant victory over the United States last weekend, the Black Ferns have made just one change to their starting lineup, with Chryss Viliko set to make her first start at loosehead prop.
Powerful prop Aldora Itunu, who last represented the national team in 2021, is poised to earn her 25th cap for the Black Ferns, coming off the bench. Black Ferns Director of Rugby Allan Bunting praised Itunu’s “perseverance, determination and physical presence” since her return to the squad.
The starting front row will feature Viliko, Georgia Ponsonby, and Tanya Kalounivale, with Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu completing the tight five. Layla Sae will start at blindside flanker, while co-captain Kennedy Simon and Liana Mikaele-Tu’u form the backrow.
In the backline, one-Test Black Fern Maia Joseph will partner co-captain Ruahei Demant in the halves, with the ever-dangerous midfield duo of Sylvia Brunt and Amy du Plessis. Katelyn Vahaakolo, Ruby Tui, and Mererangi Paul comprise the back three.
Bunting expressed his enthusiasm to continue building on the team’s impressive performance against the United States, stating, “We want to continue to see growth in certain areas of our game.” He acknowledged the challenge posed by Canada, emphasizing the importance of the clash on the road to the Rugby World Cup.
“We want to continue to see growth in certain areas of our game.”
- Allan Bunting, Black Ferns Director of Rugby
The Black Ferns’ highly anticipated matchup with Canada is set to kick off at 4:35 pm NZT on Sunday at Christchurch’s Apollo Projects Stadium, promising an enthralling rugby union encounter for fans of the BBC rugby union news.
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