Bunting rolls the dice

Otago Daily Times

06-05-2025

Otago halfback Maia Joseph will get a chance to add to her eight test caps during the Pacific Four series this month.
The 23-year-old, who played some big minutes for Matatu during Super Rugby Aupiki this season, was named in the 33-strong Black Ferns squad for the three-game series yesterday.
Joseph will be joined by Matatu team-mates Amy du Plessis, Hannah King, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Alana Bremner, Georgia Ponsonby and Amy Rule.
But there were some shock omissions from Alan Bunting's first squad of the year in star winger Ruby Tui, fullback Renee Holmes, lock Chelsea Bremner and front-rowers Luka Connor and Krystal Murray.
Holmes and Tui, in particular, have held starting spots for the Blacks Ferns through the majority of the past cycle, but it seems Bunting wants a chance to test sevens players returning to the fold in a bid to make the Rugby World Cup squad later this year.
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe will headline an exciting backline after coming out of retirement to make herself available for the World Cup.
Sevens stars Jorja Miller — who has been selected as part of the loose forwards — Stacey Waaka, Theresa Setefano, Dhys Faleafaga and Risaleaana Pouri-Lane have been included, while Kelly Brazier will go with the squad to Newcastle as travelling reserve.
Miller, Waaka and Pouri-Lane will join the squad in Christchurch ahead of the Black Ferns v Canada match due to their sevens commitments.
Alena Saili, who hails from Southland and was part of the 49 players invited to the Black Ferns camp last month, was not named.
Three players are in line for their international debut in Chiefs Manawa prop Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu and hooker Vici-Rose Green and talented Blues outside back Braxton Sorensen-McGee, after her breakthrough Super Rugby Aupiki season.
Bunting said players were rewarded for their consistency during Aupiki and the two-day camp.
"The Pacific Four Series is a chance for us to reward those players with an opportunity to represent our country.
"It's not just about the squad of 33 — this is about building a solid group of 40-plus who will be clear on how we want to be and play come World Cup selection time.'
Bunting acknowledged selectors had to make some tough calls in omitting several experienced players.
"It's a tight race leading up to our World Cup campaign," Bunting said.
"I've been very impressed by the response and attitude from our players to still serve the team.
"Our whole group is important on this journey. There is still a bit more water to go under the bridge before we name our World Cup squad."
The Black Ferns travel to Newcastle tomorrow ahead of their opening game of the series against Australia on May 10.
They then return home to play Canada in Christchurch on May 17 and the United States in North Harbour on May 24.