Starts for five Matatu players
Maia Joseph. PHOTO: ODT FILES
Otago halfback Maia Joseph is ready for her first international test this year.
Joseph has been named to start against the Wallaroos in the opening Pacific Four Series test in Australia tomorrow.
She is joined in the starting side by four Matatu team-mates.
Black Ferns player of the year Kaipo Olsen-Baker is at No8, Georgia Ponsonby provides stability at hooker, Alana Bremner has been named at lock and Amy du Plessis rightly owns the No13 jersey.
Prop Amy Rule and first five Hannah King provide cover off the bench.
Black Ferns coach Alan Bunting has stuck with an experienced lineup — there is no room for Black Ferns Sevens players who have joined the squad — for the opening test.
Blues breakout back Braxton Sorensen-McGee is the only new cap.
The 18-year-old will start at fullback after an impressive Super Rugby Aupiki season.
"We're super excited for Braxton and we are looking forward to seeing her in the black jersey," Bunting said.
"It's going to be a proud moment for her and her whānau.
'Selections have been awarded on consistent form through Sky Super Rugby Aupiki and we are allowing more time for players who weren't selected to learn and settle into our environment.
"I've also been really impressed with the attitude within our group.'
Bunting has resisted the urge to give superstar back Portia Woodman a run as well, after she came out of international retirement in the Rugby World Cup year.
Flanker Kennedy Tukuafu and first five Ruahei Demant continue to co-captain the team and have a settle line up beside them.
Hard-nosed runner Layla Sae packs down at blindside, Maia Roos — playing her 30th test — is a big lineout target at lock, and Tanya Kalounivale and Chryss Viliko get the nod at front row.
Exciting wingers Ayseha Leti-I'iga and Katelyn Vahaakolo can break through from anywhere and will inject a huge amount of speed out wide and second five Sylvia Brunt is hard to stop.
Bunting has gone with a five-three split on the bench. King will cover first five, Iritana Hohaia is the halfback cover and Mererangi Paul can shift across the backline where needed.
The Laurie O'Reilly Cup will also be on the line for the first time this season.
Kick-off is at 5pm.
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