Nine Matatu players in Black Ferns XV squad
Coach Willie Walker yesterday announced a 28-strong second-string national squad to play two games against the Springboks in Cape Town.
Three of the five props - Marcelle Parkes, Maddi Robinson and Ashley Palu — played for Matatu in Super Rugby Aupiki this season.
Outstanding flanker Lucy Jenkins, who made her test debut in the 2023 Pacific Four series, and rookie No 8 Fiaali'i Solomona are among the loose forwards.
Outside backs Winnie Palamo, Hollyrae Mete-Renata and Kaea Nepia, and young first five Hannah King, are the Matatu representatives in the backs.
Black Ferns XV selection could be a mixed blessing for King.
It could mean she is missing out on the Black Ferns squad heading to England to defend their World Cup crown in August-September.
The Black Ferns will name a squad of 32 on July 25, and leave on August 13.
King, who has 10 test caps, came off the bench in all three Pacific Four tests earlier this year to replace captain Ruahei Demant. But with veteran Kelly Brazier back in the mix, Black Ferns coach Allan Bunting may feel he has enough cover at first five.
That would be a tough blow for the woman nominated for World Rugby's breakthrough player of the year award last year.
Veteran winger Ruby Tui is not in the second-string squad, which may mean she has made the World Cup cut.
Bay of Plenty lock Holly Greenway will captain the Black Ferns XV, selected following a trial game against the national squad.
Chiefs Manawa hooker Luka Connor is the senior hand with 24 test caps.
Walker said the trial had been a successful exercise ahead of the trip to Cape Town.
"The trial in Whangarei was an ideal build-up for this group and helpful in assessing players and combinations.
"We've selected a strong squad and it's a huge opportunity for these players to experience a touring environment and to play against a tier one international opponent."
The Black Ferns XV head to South Africa on Sunday.
The games will both be played at the 34,000-seat Athlone Stadium in Cape Town, on July 26 and August 2.
It is the first time a New Zealand women's team has played in South Africa. Black Ferns XV
Forwards: Holly Greenway (captain), Luka Connor, Grace Leaso Gago, Jordan Tihore, Marcelle Parkes, Cheyenne Tuli-Fale, Maddi Robinson, Ashley Palu, Harono Te Iringa, Maama Vaipulu, Sam Taylor, Holly Greenway, Taufa Bason, Elinor-Plum King, Fiaali'i Solomona, Lucy Jenkins, Mia Anderson.
Backs: Tara Turner, Reese Anderson, Hannah King, Keira Su'a Smith, Justine McGregor, Kelsey Teneti, Leilani Hakiwai, Winnie Palamo, Hollyrae Mete-Renata, Jaymie Kolose, Kaea Nepia, Mererangi Paul.
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