Latest news with #LaurieO'ReillyCup
NZ Herald
10-05-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Black Ferns v Australia: Live updates from the Pacific Four Series clash in Newcastle
Follow the action as the Black Ferns kick off their Pacific Four Series campaign against the Wallaroos in Newcastle. Teenage sensation Braxton Sorensen-McGee will make her Black Ferns test debut in Saturday's clash against the Wallaroos in Newcastle, Australia. The 18-year-old is the lone debutant in the side, having been named at fullback for New Zealand's Pacific Four Series opener, which doubles as the opening Laurie O'Reilly Cup match. Sorensen-McGee burst on to the scene for the Blues this year, scoring six tries in eight games to help the Auckland-based side defend their Super Rugby Aupiki title, beating Matatū in last month's final. Black Ferns director of performance Allan Bunting says Sorensen-McGee deserves her opportunity after impressing in camp. 'We're super excited for Braxton and we are looking forward to seeing her in the black jersey, it's going to be a proud moment for her and her whānau,' Bunting said. 'Selections have been awarded on consistent form through 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.' The match will also mark a special return for loosehead prop Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, who will come off the bench in what will be her first test since the last Rugby World Cup. A troubling neck injury saw her sit out competitive rugby for two years and the 27-year-old had major surgery last year in a bid to make the World Cup squad this year. Hooker Georgia Ponsonby anchors the scrum alongside props Chryss Viliko and Tanya Kalounivale. Alana Bremner and Maiakawanakaulani Roos make up the locking duo, while co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu and Layla Sae have been named in the loose forwards. Kaipo Olsen-Baker, last year's Black Ferns Player of the Year, completes the strong forward pack at No 8. In the backs, co-captain and first five-eighths Ruahei Demant and halfback Maia Joseph start together, combining with Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i Sylvia Brunt and Amy du Plessis in the midfield. Wingers Ayesha Leti-I'iga and Katelyn Vahaakolo will bring pace and power on the wings with Sorensen-McGee rounding out the starting team. Bunting is eager for the Black Ferns to make a statement as preparations begin towards the Rugby World Cup, which gets under way in England in August. 'This week is important to us, Laurie O'Reilly pathed [sic] the way for women's rugby through some tough times in Aotearoa,' said Bunting. 'We know Australia will be a great challenge at this stage of our journey and we want to ensure that we have a strong start to our campaign. The focus lies with us, deepening our connections and playing our game as we continue to build throughout Pacific Four'. Kickoff is at 5pm. Black Ferns: 1. Chryss Viliko 2. Georgia Ponsonby 3. Tanya Kalounivale 4. Alana Bremner 5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos 6. Layla Sae 7. Kennedy Tukuafu (Co-captain) 8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker 9. Maia Joseph 10. Ruahei Demant (Co-captain) 11. Katelyn Vahaakolo 12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i Sylvia Brunt 13. Amy du Plessis 14. Ayesha Leti-I'iga 15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee Bench: 16. Atlanta Lolohea 17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu 18. Amy Rule 19. Maama Mo'onia Vaipulu 20. Dhys Faleafaga 21. Iritana Hohaia 22. Hannah King 23. Mererangi Paul
Otago Daily Times
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
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.
