Latest news with #Ferns
Newsroom
3 days ago
- Sport
- Newsroom
How good are these Black Ferns as they seek to defend their world rugby title?
Sixteen players from the 2022 Rugby World Cup-winning squad are making a return, including inspirational co-captains Kennedy Tukuafu and Ruahei Demant, as well as Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, who is the leading try scorer in World Cup history (for both male and female players). Woodman has scored 10 tries in her past two test matches since coming out of retirement earlier this year. Jorja Miller, the winner of the Kel Tremain Memorial Medal, headlines the list of World Cup first-timers alongside 2024 Black Ferns Player of the Year Kaipo Olsen-Baker, who, but for injury, would likely have been selected in 2022. All three halfbacks are set to experience their first World Cups, with Black Ferns Sevens star Risaleaana Pouri-Lane joining Iritana Hohaia and Maia Joseph as contenders for the starting position. Hooker is another position with limited experience, with Atlanta Lolohea and Vici-Rose Green serving as backups to Georgia Ponsonby, who is the best in her position by a country mile. There are no test debutants in the squad. Who was unlucky to be cut? What are some of the other issues facing the team? What are the Black Ferns' leading rivals up to? King Dethroned Since May 2024, Hannah King has had numerous opportunities to establish herself, having played in 10 Tests. She started as a first-five for most of 2024 and was even nominated for the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year. However, in 2025, Ruahei Demant returned to the first-five position, and King found herself mostly coming off the bench. Recently, for the Australian Test in Wellington, King was dropped from the bench in favour of 35-year-old Kelly Brazier, who had not played any international matches since 2021 and is better known as a second-five. At just 21 years old, King's career is still in its early stages, and the next World Cup in Australia in 2029 could be her opportunity to shine. However, it would be disappointing for her that all the investment didn't yield a World Cup spot. Might she reconsider her rugby future? The Women's National Rugby League, or a spell in England, could be desirable. Attention Bayfield The least experienced player on the team is Laura Bayfield, who, after only 25 minutes against Australia, is boarding the plane to England. Bayfield, the top tackler in the Farah Palmer Cup (FPC) last year, comes from a military background and covers lock or loose forward. Bayfield made her debut for Canterbury in the 2023 FPC and has played 16 games for her province, achieving 11 victories and scoring three tries. Black Ferns Director of Rugby Alan Bunting has had his eye on the Cantabrian for some time, remarking: 'Laura was a standout throughout Super Rugby Aupiki this year and has put in the work. She topped all stats for the Black Ferns XV in Whangārei and deserves her debut. It's a proud moment for Laura and her whānau.' Bayfield's selection likely comes at the expense of Maama Vaipulu, who was not only very impressive in her seven Tests but also holds two Super Rugby Aupiki titles with the Blues and a 2023 FPC Premiership title with Auckland, making her a domestically elite player. Vaipulu is physically imposing, an explosive athlete from a volleyball background. Bayfield is more in the workhorse category, as is Chelsea Bremner, who played all 12 Tests in 2022 but has struggled to hit those heights since. Was Vaipulu covering the flanks considered? Bayfield, with less experience and silverware, has made a rapid ascent. Ruby World Cup? Social media went into meltdown when it was announced that Ruby Tui wouldn't be heading to England. However, this decision isn't surprising given the Black Ferns are stacked when it comes to wingers. Frankly, it would have been a scandal to exclude Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Katelyn Vahaakolo, or Ayesha Leti-I'iga from the team. When Bunting was asked about the possibility of Tui being recalled, he replied, 'The door's not closed, but performances matter.' Despite scoring two tries and delivering a high-energy performance in a tough trial match, and a try in the Black Ferns' 37-12 victory over Australia, Tui's efforts weren't enough to regain her place. Is this harsh? In a position where raw speed is crucial, Tui's near decade in age difference compared with Vahaakolo and Leti-I'iga may have counted against her. Spare a thought for Mererangi Paul. Paul brings greater versatility than Tui, as she can play at centre and is more accustomed to the fullback position, which Tui has also covered. Paul has an impressive record, scoring 14 tries in 14 Tests, yet she was also cut from the squad. Goal kicking: Does it actually matter? A lack of decent goal kicking options is an area in which Black Ferns selectors have been challenged, but it might not matter, at least not as much as male rugby. In 38 Rugby World Cup matches, the Black Ferns have won 36 times and scored 289 tries, converting just 143 of those. They have kicked 23 penalties, with just two of those slotted in 2022. In the past three and a half seasons, the Black Ferns have converted 114 of 211 tries and kicked 11 penalty goals in 31 Test matches. The most penalties they have kicked in a single game is two, and that was in a 27-29 loss to Ireland. The advent of professionalism hasn't resulted in a significant improvement in the Black Ferns' goal kicking success rate. However, the inclusion of Renee Holmes suggests it is at the forefront of selectors' minds. Holmes kicked 16 of the Black Ferns' 29 conversions in 2024 and 19 of their 45 in the ground-breaking 2022 season, where they won a dozen internationals on the trot. With only one outing against Australia, in July, and a one-from-five goal-kicking record, Holmes' past reputation with the boot can be the only explanation for her rapid ascent from outcast to tourist. Albeit a smaller sample size, the goal kicking of England and France was outstanding in the 2025 Six Nations. The Roses were on target with 27 out of 39 kicks, but French fullback Morgane Bourgeois was kicking them like Thomas Ramos, with 26 goals from 29 attempts. Oh Canada If all goes according to plan, the Black Ferns and Canada are likely to top their respective groups and face each other in the semi-finals. This week, Canada announced their 32-player squad, which includes 21 returning players from the previous campaign. The team will be captained by Alexandra Tessier, a nominee for the 2024 World Rugby Player of the Year, who is set to compete in her third Rugby World Cup. Veterans Tyson Beukeboom, Olivia DeMerchant, and Karen Paquin will also be participating in their fourth Rugby World Cup. Sophie de Goede, a goal kicking loose forward, might be the best women's rugby player on the planet and is vitally returning from a serious knee injury. Canada nearly pulled off an upset against the Black Ferns Sevens in the 2024 Paris Olympic final. Six players from that team—Caroline Crossley, Fancy Bermudez, Florence Symonds, Olivia Apps, Asia Hogan-Rochester, and Taylor Perry—are featured in the World Cup squad. Since 2023, Canada has lost just five of 20 test matches, including a historic victory against the Black Ferns in 2024 and two wins over France. England The numbers are imposing: 55 wins in the last 56 Tests, including a streak of 25 consecutive victories. Officially ranked World Number One for 244 successive weeks, England have won 42 home games in a row since 2016. The Red Roses World Cup squad comprises 32 players with a total of 1,374 international caps among them, including 24 players with previous World Cup experience. Marlie Packer and Alex Matthews are heading to their fourth tournaments and Emily Scarratt (118 Tests, 103 wins, 789 points) will attend her fifth. What's new? Abi Burton, May Campbell, Mackenzie Carson, Kelsey Clifford, Maddie Feaunati, Lilli Ives Campion, Jade Shekells, and Emma Sing are all making their tournament debuts. Carson originally switched her allegiance from Canada and has been a strong anchor for the English scrum, boasting 21 Test wins since 2023. She plays for Gloucester-Hartpury, who have won the past two English Premier Leagues. Maddie Feaunati previously played for Wellington, where her father, former Samoan international Isaac Fe'aunati, lived both before and after his time in England. Like her father, she is known for being an aggressive loose forward. In their match against the Black Ferns in Vancouver last year, England secured a decisive 49-31 victory, with all nine tries scored by outside backs and only two converted. England has transformed its playing style from the dull, set-piece-dominated approach of 2022. However, they can still revert to type, having successfully shut down a bold Canada in one of their few genuine contests last year, winning 21-12. France created chaos in the second half of the Six Nations decider in May with their expansive, unpredictable attack resulting in a 43-32 loss. England was a mile in front at halftime but looked genuinely flustered against a side with size and spontaneity. The Black Ferns need to do the same, but with a bit more calculation than the cavalier style of 2022, and they might have a fighting chance.
The Spinoff
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Spinoff
Review: Netball docuseries Game On is a heartwarming gem
Tara Ward watches Three's new sports series about a group of New Zealand netball legends who return for one last game. The nerves are obvious from the opening moments of Game On. Former Silver Fern Temepara Bailey zips up her suitcase before she realises she's forgotten to pack her netball shoes. Adine Wilson wonders aloud why she agreed to come on a TV show, while Silver Fern centurion Casey Kopua limps into an indoor netball stadium to warmly greet her former netball teammates. They all look as concerned as she does. 'What have I signed myself up for?' she wonders. What Kopua and her fellow netball legends have committed to is a daunting physical and mental challenge, with every second captured on camera. Game On is Three's inspiring new sports docuseries that sees a team of former Silver Ferns come out of retirement to play for a high-stakes netball tournament. They've been called back to the court by coaches Yvonne Willering and Yvette McClausland-Durie, who will guide them through the tough process of returning to top-level sport. 'We're here to provide the challenge of transforming the former Ferns into the elite athletes that you were in the past,' Willering tells the ex-Silver Ferns. 'Good luck,' Kopua replies. It won't be easy – Daneka Tuineau hasn't touched a netball since she retired 14 years ago, Wilson broke her neck in 2016, while Kopua is awaiting a double knee replacement. While they may still be as competitive and passionate as they were two decades ago, their bodies tell a different story. 'I did try playing social netball, but man, they just want to show you that you're not as good as you were 10 years ago,' Irene van Dyk laughs. 'No shit Sherlock, I know that.' Game On is similar in warmth and spirit to another local sports docuseries, Match Fit, but it comes with a new twist: not only are these players preparing to compete against teams of other ex-internationals, they're also mentoring a group of promising young netballers. These rangatahi have been nominated by members of their community, and after the first fitness test with the Ferns, they immediately rise to the challenge. 'I don't want to get outschooled by people double my age,' 16-year-old Brooklyn says. It would be easy for the former world champions to stay on the sidelines and let their achievements do the talking. Instead, they share moments of vulnerability and bravery as they're confronted with how their bodies have changed over the years, and reflect on what happens when an international sporting career ends ('netball is my life… when I retired, I realised, who am I? I'm no-one,' a tearful van Dyk says in episode two). This honesty and emotion makes their return to the sport all the more powerful. Not only do the Ferns want to prove to themselves that they can do it, but they're also relishing the rare opportunity to be back with their mates, playing the game that brought them together all those years ago. Game On isn't about winning; it's about the power of community. It's about women championing other women, no matter what season of life they're in, and it's impossible not to feel inspired and uplifted by their strength and resilience. Game On is a gem of a series, a heartwarming reminder that no matter your age, you can still do hard things – and that maybe, for some of us at home, it's never too late to try and become a Silver Fern.
NZ Herald
22-07-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Ekenasio's 2025 departure prompts Silver Ferns leadership questions
Ameliaranne Ekenasio in action at the Netball World Cup in 2023. Photo / Supplied Who should replace Ekenasio as captain? Kelly Jackson. Simple as that. The 1.92m goal keep is one of the most dominant in netball and her place in the Ferns is unquestionable. At 28 years old, Jackson could have at least five-plus years left at the top level, but has also experienced the highs and greatest lows of international sport. Across 72 test caps dating back to 2017, Jackson has won two Constellation Cups, a number of Taini Jamison series and back-to-back ANZ Premiership titles with the Central Pulse in 2019 and 2020. She also played a key role in the NZ U21 team's unbeaten run to the Youth World Cup title in 2017. Not to mention, she's won the Dame Lois Muir Supreme Award – recognising the country's best player – for the past three years in a row. With Ameliaranne Ekenasio (left) stepping away, Kelly Jackson is a contender to lead the Silver Ferns. Photo / Photosport Major shoulder and Achilles injuries derailed the early part of Jackson's career, leading her to miss out on the Silver Ferns' victorious 2019 World Cup squad. The Central Pulse captain was the standout player in New Zealand's heartbreaking loss to England in the 2023 World Cup semifinal in South Africa. Speaking to her after the game, her frustration was obvious given the sheer number of turnovers she had won which the attacking end failed to capitalise upon. Jackson shares many qualities with Ekenasio. She comes across as a kind, thoughtful personality who doesn't shy away from stating her mind. Her prowess is not displayed through words but her actions on court. Jackson clearly has the respect of her teammates. These are not only qualities to be admired, but they are critical in calmly leading a group of young, passionate and driven athletes. Kate Heffernan in action against Australia last year. Photo / Photosport The other obvious choice for skipper is Kate Heffernan. The current Silver Ferns vice-captain, I have no doubt Heffernan will lead New Zealand one day and coach Dame Noeline Taurua might decide now is the right time. The Southern Steel skipper is 25 years old and was named midcourter of the tournament at the 2023 World Cup. With the versatility to play centre, wing defence and wing attack, 'Kate Heffernan' is the first name you write down when selecting a Silver Ferns midcourt. Having already played international cricket in a pair of T20s for the White Ferns in 2018, Heffernan has proven to become the best at whatever she sets her mind to. However, the main thing Heffernan has on her side is time. Allowing her to continue to flourish in the vice-captaincy role under Jackson will only add to her mana when she ascends to the captaincy in years to come. Heffernan will resume leading the Steel, who produced a remarkable turnaround this year under new coach Wendy Frew after two years finishing dead last on the ANZ Premiership ladder. Who becomes the new primary Silver Ferns goal attack? This question is a lot harder to answer. Ekenasio has been the go-to goal attack for years now – her place in the shooting circle has never really been under threat. The problem is complicated further by Te Paea Selby-Rickit's bizarre unavailability. The Mainland Tactix shooter hasn't featured since the pool stage of the 2023 World Cup, where she played extremely well and was subsequently benched for the rest of the tournament. Taurua and Ekenasio have emphasised the need to diversify the shooting circle to be more competent from range, after getting exposed for being one-dimensional when Grace Nweke struck out with injury in the last World Cup. There are two leading contenders, but neither of them is truly convincing. Filda Vui is a contender to claim the goal attack bib. Photo / Photosport Filda Vui has been outstanding in the Northern Mystics' march to yet another ANZ Premiership grand final. No longer overshadowed by the departed Grace Nweke, Vui was forced to play a more dominant role when Diamonds attacker Donnell Wallam went down injured. The 29-year-old is the competition's most successful two-point shooter, slotting 28 from 44 attempts at a staggering 63.6%. A two-time ANZ Premiership winner, Vui has been around the block. She was called into the Silver Ferns Quad Series squad in 2022 but never earned her debut test cap. Southern Steel goal attack Georgia Heffernan made her debut for the Silver Ferns at last year's Nations Cup. Adept from long range, Heffernan has no issue opting to shoot in higher-pressure moments. While the 25-year-old's ANZ Premiership stats aren't as glamorous – shooting at 34.1% from two-point range and 81.5% in one-pointers – she overcame a slow start with a strong second half of the domestic season as the Steel threatened the top three. Martina Salmon of the Tactix could have a shot with the Silver Ferns. Photo / Photosport Tactix attacker Martina Salmon looked to be a brilliant long-range prospect after putting New Zealand into last year's Fast5 grand final in Christchurch with a buzzer-beating six-point shot against South Africa. However, she simply hasn't had enough game time this year to confidently throw her into the test arena. Frustratingly, her path has been blocked by Selby-Rickit and Ellie Bird, both of whom have ruled themselves out of international selection. At the Central Pulse, Tiana Metuarau hasn't reached the same heights of 2022 and 2023, but she is in part a victim of the dominance of attacking teammate Amelia Walmsley. Amorangi Malesala has invented a specialist role for herself, coming on as a two-point specialist in the last five minutes of each quarter for the Pulse. Malesala is one of the best range shooters in the ANZ Premiership, but with limited minutes and Taurua's ruthless fitness standards this may have hindered her test hopes. Maia Wilson would bring experience to the Silver Ferns attack. Photo / Photosport It could be tempting to return to Stars shooter Maia Wilson, given her 52 test caps and the relatively minimal experience levels of the other shooting options. In the goal shoot bib, 23-year-old Grace Nweke is likely to receive an eligibility exemption given Netball New Zealand's revamped application process, while 21-year-old Walmsley is yet to truly find her feet in the Ferns dress. However, Wilson just hasn't been among the ANZ Premiership's best players this season, shooting at just 83.3%. Wilson was hampered by the Stars' injury-ravaged midcourt, while Australian fellow attacker Charlie Bell struggled to adapt to the New Zealand style. Gold medals on the line The Silver Ferns face South Africa across three Taini Jamison tests in late September, before the Constellation Cup defence starts against Australia in the back half of October. One thing is for certain, Dame Noeline Taurua's decision-making in these two areas will shape the Silver Ferns' chances of Commonwealth Games gold next year and World Cup glory in 2027. Nathan Limm has been a journalist with Newstalk ZB and the NZ Herald since 2020. He covered the Netball World Cup in Cape Town in 2023, hosts The Big League Podcast and commentates rugby and netball for Gold Sport.
NZ Herald
22-07-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Rising netball stars push for Silver Ferns selection after strong season
LockerRoom takes a look at four players pushing for their first Ferns test cap, and two premiership rookie standouts to look out for in the future. Filda Vui's clutch super shot has been outstanding in the new format competition. Photo / Michael Bradley Photography Filda Vui Filda Vui is by no means a new face in the ANZ Premiership, making her first appearance in 2020. However, being paired with Grace Nweke at the Northern Mystics meant Vui often took a backseat when it came to scoring goals, sometimes simply used as a second feeder to Nweke. In 2025, that's all changed. When Mystics goal shoot Donnell Wallam was ruled out of part of the season with injury, a leader needed to step up in the shooting circle, and Vui did so. Vui has the highest volume of two-point shots in the domestic competition, sinking 28 from 44 attempts this season. Her calm head in the circle and connections with her midcourters have shown her to be a proficient goal attack who could see higher honours soon. An uncapped Silver Fern, Vui was named in the team for the Netball Quad Series in January 2022 but didn't take the court, and hasn't managed to crack the squad since. Saviour Tui's smile is deceiving – seen here wrestling for possession with Mystics' Catherine Hall. Photo / Michael Bradley Photography Saviour Tui Often stuck on the bench, or behind a seasoned goal shoot, Saviour Tui has made a name for herself ever since moving to the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in 2024 – having played two seasons for the Mystics and then two for the Steel. The third-most prolific shooter in the ANZ Premiership, Tui has thrived at goal shoot alongside Silver Fern Ameliaranne Ekenasio. She's also shown her range, with 27 super shots – the second highest in the competition. While she may not have the height of other goal shooters, at 189cm, Tui makes up for it with her athleticism and strong balance on the baseline. The 23-year-old's ability to rein in feeds and stay strong under the hoop could make her a great option up against international defenders for the Silver Ferns. A former New Zealand Secondary Schools representative, Tui has been a member of the NZ A and Ferns development squads, and even played for Samoa in 2022. Georgie Edgecombe goes from strength to strength with every season in the Magic. Photo / Michael Bradley Photography Georgie Edgecombe Georgie Edgecombe is a player who's gone from strength to strength. Still growing in her fifth full season with the Magic, the midcourter's athletic skills and physical strength are an asset to her team. Often seen at wing defence, Edgecombe finished the 2025 ANZ Premiership season with an impressive 33 deflections, one of the top in the competition. She also had 13 clean intercepts and 17 pick ups, with a never-give-up attitude for her side. Also with 33 feeds and 37 centre pass receives, she has shown she can be used at centre and is steady through the midcourt too. Previously a member of the NZA and Silver Ferns development squad, this could be the year Edgecombe pushes for that black dress. Carys Stythe was a spectacular signing for Steel in 2025. Photo / Michael Bradley Photography Carys Stythe Carys Stythe has been touted as a future Silver Fern for years now, after making her debut for the Mystics. But a move down south to the Southern Steel this year has seen a huge change in her game, and the call may be coming soon. Finishing top of the ladder in defensive rebounds with 21, Stythe's height in the defensive circle has made her one of the country's top goal keeps. She was a key member of the Steel team, reliable at the back of the court. A member of the Silver Ferns development squad, Stythe could very well see herself in the national team this year. But keep an eye out for former teammate Catherine Hall. Finding her feet at the Mystics after being largely kept on the bench, Hall now tops the season for deflections and intercepts and could find herself challenging some experienced players for that black dress. With Hall playing in the grand final on July 20, she still has one more game left to impress the Ferns selectors. Rookie Sophia Lafaiali'i shored up the Mystics shooting end while Wallam was injured. Photo / Mystics Sophia Lafaiali'i When Wallam went down injured in round three, the Mystics had the choice of finding an international or retired player to cover the goal shoot bib. Instead, they looked to their development players, specifically 20-year-old Sophia Lafaiali'i. Many thought the Mystics may struggle without Wallam, with wing attack Peta Toeava known for her pinpoint accurate feeds to taller shooters. But Lafaiali'i didn't skip a beat, playing a full 60 minutes in her second game, and only missing one goal. Shooting at 93% accuracy, Lafaiali'i has scored 137 goals since being introduced to the Mystics side. She's also since been rewarded with a call-up to trial for the NZ U21 team to play in the Netball World Youth Cup in September. Holly Mather in action for Tactix against her sister's side, Stars. Photo / Michael Bradley Photography Holly Mather In her first fully contracted season, Holly Mather has been busy. Playing in every game for the Tactix, Mather averages 52 minutes on court per game, typically running around at centre. Mather had played for both the Marvels and the Comets in the National Netball League, before making the step up to the ANZ Premiership, joining the Stars as injury replacement last season. Being able to play for the Stars alongside older sister Lisa in the midcourt was a special moment for the family from the Far North. With a massive 202 feeds this season, Mather's error rate was very low for a new player and she slotted into the Tactix environment seamlessly. Her reliability throughout court was impressive, and the likelihood of her being snapped up for another season in the ANZ Premiership will be very high after her showings on court this year. Tactix and Steel will face off in the ANZ Premiership elimination final at Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch on Sunday, at 7.30pm. The game will be live on Sky Sport. This story was originally published at and is republished with permission.
Scoop
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Silver Ferns Captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio Announces Unavailability For 2025 International Season
Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio has today confirmed she will be making herself unavailable for the 2025 international netball season, stepping back from the national side after more than a decade at the top of the game. Since making her debut in 2014, Ekenasio has proudly worn the black dress 79 times, playing a key role in New Zealand's 2019 Netball World Cup triumph and captaining the team to victory in the 2021 and 2024 Constellation Cup series, along with multiple Taini Jamison Trophy wins. Renowned for her calm leadership and long-range accuracy, Ekenasio has been a powerful force both on and off the court. She was named Silver Ferns captain in 2021 and returned to the role after the birth of her second child. Reflecting on her decision, Ekenasio said choosing to step away from the Silver Ferns for the upcoming international season wasn't an easy decision, but it's one I've thought deeply about. 'I need this break—for my mind, body, and spirit. It's been an amazing journey, but now it's time to listen to what I need personally and take space to reset.' 'It's been the greatest honour to represent Aotearoa and to lead this group of amazing women. There is so much talent and within the Ferns environment and I'm excited for what lies ahead.' Silver Ferns head coach Dame Noeline Taurua acknowledges Ekenasio's decision: 'I've always supported athletes in making decisions that are right for them. I fully respect Ameliaranne's choice to step away from the international stage at this time. As a mother and wife, supporting a growing family, alongside the demands of being a high-performance athlete and carrying significant leadership responsibilities, the load can be immense. I personally understand that sometimes being everything to everyone simply isn't sustainable'. There's no doubt she will be deeply missed this year, her leadership, presence and unique skillsets are irreplaceable. At the same time, I truly admire her selfless decision. It reflects a deep understanding of the commitment required to be a Silver Fern, and her integrity to step back when she can't give it her all right now'. 'I look forward to welcoming Ameliaranne back when she is ready.' Born in Queensland and of Ngāpuhi descent, Ekenasio made the move to Wellington in 2014 to join the Central Pulse, going on to forge a remarkable international career built on resilience and determination—returning from injury, personal adversity, and motherhood to lead the Silver Ferns with distinction.
