Latest news with #LauraBayfield
Otago Daily Times
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Bayfield poised to debut for Black Ferns
Laura Bayfield. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES Matatu lock Laura Bayfield will get her first taste of test rugby tomorrow. Bayfield has been named on the bench for her Black Ferns debut in their clash against the Wallaroos in Wellington, their last test on home soil before the Rugby World Cup next month. Bayfield was a standout for the Black Ferns XV in their trial game against the Black Ferns last weekend and had a strong Super Rugby Aupiki season. Former Otago playmaker Kelly Brazier is also in line to play her first test since 2021 after being named on the bench. Otago halfback Maia Joseph, who has made the No 9 jersey her own in the past 18 months, is sidelined with a hamstring complaint. Black Ferns coach Allan Bunting has named sevens star Risaleaana Pouri-Lane in her place, while Iritana Hohaia is on the bench. "Laura was a standout throughout Super Rugby Aupiki this year and has put in the work," Bunting said. "She topped all stats for the Black Ferns XV in Whangārei and deserves her opportunity to debut this weekend. It's going to be a proud moment for Laura and her whānau. "It has also been great having Kelly in the July series squad, her experience has really added to our depth at 10." But there are talking points across the team. Ruby Tui, yet to make the Black Ferns in 2025 before being called in earlier this week as cover, has been named on the bench for her 20th test. Renee Holmes returns to fullback for her first test this year, after a fine performance against the second-stringers last week. Young gun Braxton Sorensen-McGee picked up a hip complaint and will skip the test. Alana Bremner, co-captain with Ruahei Demant in place of sidelined Kennedy Tukuafu, shifts to the blindside and forms a loose forward trio with Jorja Miller and Liana Mikaele-Tu'u. Bremner's sister, Chelsea, will pack down at lock with Maia Roos. Matatu prop Amy Rule will earn her 30th cap off the bench. Kate Henwood, Ayesha Leti-I'iga and Amy du Plessis are all out with injury. The game is a double-header in Wellington, with the All Blacks v France game to be played afterwards.
RNZ News
10-07-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Ruby Tui back in Black Ferns squad
Ruby Tui playing for Chiefs Manawa, 2025. Photo: Jeremy Ward / PHOTOSPORT 2022 World Cup star Ruby Tui has fought her way back into contention for this year's tournament after being named in the Black Ferns squad for Saturday's Test against Australia in Wellington. Tui missed out on selection when Black Ferns coach Alan Bunting named his squad in May for the Pacific Four series . She played in the trial game between the Black Ferns and a Black Ferns XV last weekend and was then called into the squad earlier this week as injury cover. Tui has been named on the bench for the O'Reilly Cup game against the Australia. She is set to play her 20th Test for New Zealand. Sevens star Kelly Brazier will play in her first Test since 2021, bringing over 15 years' experience to the team. Matatū lock Laura Bayfield is in line for her Black Ferns debut off the bench following an impressive performance for the Black Ferns XV in Whangārei last weekend. Bunting said both Bayfield and Brazier had earned this weekend's opportunities based on hard work. "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 opportunity to debut this weekend. "It has also been great having Kelly in the July Series squad, her experience has really added to our depth at 10." Saturday's game will be the Black Ferns last on home soil before they head to the World Cup in England. 1 Chryss Viliko 2 Georgia Ponsonby 3 Tanya Kalounivale 4 Maiakawanakaulani Roos 5 Chelsea Bremner 6 Alana Bremner (cc) 7 Jorja Miller 8 Liana Mikaele-Tu'u 9 Risaleaana Pouri-Lane 10 Ruahei Demant (cc) 11 Katelyn Vahaakolo 12 Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai'i Sylvia Brunt 13 Stacey Waaka 14 Portia Woodman-Wickliffe 15 Renee Holmes 16 Vici-Rose Green 17 Awhina Tangen-Wainohu 18 Amy Rule (30th Test) 19 Laura Bayfield* 20 Layla Sae 21 Iritana Hohaia 22 Kelly Brazier 23 Ruby Tui (20th Test) *denotes debut
