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Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Joseph relieved to get call-up
Maia Joseph's passport is getting another stamp. The Otago Spirit halfback is heading to England after being named in the Black Ferns Rugby World Cup squad to defend their title. "It's really exciting," Joseph told the Otago Daily Times. "Obviously you never know if you're going to make it or not. It was relieving and exciting." Joseph, 23, has played 11 tests since earning her inaugural Black Ferns contract last season and has mainly been the preferred halfback since. She played three seasons for the Otago Spirit — "I definitely take pride from being from Otago" — and played for Chiefs Manawa in 2022, before tearing her ACL and MCL that year. She returned for Matatu, where she has been a standout the past two seasons. "I've grown heaps as a player. "I'm really happy with how far I've come, but you know, there's still a bit of a way to go before the World Cup, so it'll be a big [few] weeks in camp before we head away." Joseph has healthy competition for the No9 jersey, sevens star Risaleaana Pouri-Lane and Hurricanes halfback Iritana Hohaia named alongside her. "It's definitely competitive," Joseph said. "All three of us want to be the best, but we're also really good friends and make sure we help each other and lift each other up as much as we can." Joseph believed the Black Ferns had come a long way in the past 12 months and the competition among the group was fierce. "I think our coaches have done a really good job of installing some new cool things. "We started a bit rusty, but as time's gone on and had more time together, it's come together quite good," she said. The squad, comprising 19 forwards and 14 backs, is a blend of experienced heads and exciting raw talent. Experienced playmaker Kelly Brazier, who is originally from Dunedin, has also been selected for her fourth world cup and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Theresa Setefano and Stacey Waaka have been named for their third. World Rugby women's sevens player of the year Jorja Miller is among a strong loose forward unit and teenage fullback Braxton Sorensen is the youngest member at 18. Matatu lock Laura Bayfield, who debuted for the Black Ferns earlier this month, has also been given the nod. She is joined by Matatu team-mates Alana and Chelsea Bremner, Georgia Ponsonby, Amy Rule, Kaipo Olsen-Baker and Amy du Plessis. But there is no room for winger Ruby Tui, who is the big omission after being dropped earlier this year. Matatu first five Hannah King, who was nominated for world breakthrough player of the year in 2024, has also been left out of the squad and is currently in South Africa with the Black Ferns XV. Prop Krystal Murray is a non-travelling reserve. Sixteen players return from the 2022 winning squad, including co-captains Ruahei Demant and Kennedy Tukuafu. Black Ferns coach Allan Bunting said more than half the players had competed at "pinnacle events". "We are really excited about this group and truly believe they can take us to the next level," Bunting said. "We've got vast experience across our squad." The Black Ferns leave on August 13 and start their title defence, against Spain, on August 25. Black Ferns Rugby World Cup squad Props: Kate Henwood, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Chryss Viliko, Tanya Kalounivale, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Amy Rule. Hookers: Atlanta Lolohea, Vici-Rose Green, Georgia Ponsonby. Locks: Maia Roos, Alana Bremner, Chelsea Bremner, Laura Bayfield. Loose forwards: Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Jorja Miller, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Layla Sae, Kennedy Tukuafu. Halfbacks: Maia Joseph, Iritana Hohaia, Risaleaana Pouri-Lane. First fives: Ruahei Demant, Kelly Brazier. Midfielders: Sylvia Brunt, Amy du Plessis, Theresa Setefano, Stacey Waaka. Outside backs: Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Renee Holmes, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Ayesha Leti-I'iga.
Otago Daily Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Joseph named in Black Ferns World Cup squad
Otago halfback Maia Joseph has been named in the Black Ferns squad to defend their Rugby World Cup title next month. The Otago Spirit back is among the 33-strong squad heading to England unveiled at a function in Upper Hutt this evening. It will be the first pinnacle event for the 23-year-old, who has earned 11 caps since making her international debut last year. Stalwart playmaker Kelly Brazier — who hails from Dunedin — has also been selected for her fourth World Cup, at 35, and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Theresa Setefano and Stacey Waaka have been named for their third World Cup. Sevens stars Jorja Miller and Risaleaana Pouri-Lane have been included. Teenager Braxton Sorensen-McGee is the youngest to be named after the 18-year-old fullback's break out season. Matatu lock Laura Bayfield, who debuted for the Black Ferns against Australia earlier this month, has also been given the nod. She is joined by Matatu team-mates Alana and Chelsea Bremner, Georgia Ponsonby, Amy Rule, Kaipo Olsen-Baker and Amy du Plessis. But there is no room for winger Ruby Tui, who is the big omission from the squad after being dropped earlier this year. Matatu first five Hannah King, who was nominated for world breakthrough player of the year in 2024, has also been left out of the squad and is currently in South Africa with the Black Ferns XV. The Black Ferns are the defending champions after beating England 24-21 in front of a sold out Eden Park in 2022. Sixteen players from that squad return, including co-captains Ruahei Demant and Kennedy Tukuafu. Black Ferns director of performance Allan Bunting congratulated the 33 players selected. 'On behalf of the coaching group, I'd like to congratulate all our players named tonight in front of their whānau. We are really excited about this group and truly believe they can take us to the next level,' Bunting said. 'We've got vast experience across our squad, with more than half of our players having competed at pinnacle events. 'While it's an exciting time for those selected, I'd like to acknowledge the players who have missed out. Their contribution to the black jersey and to our team this year has been immense, and we wouldn't be where we are today without them. 'The level of depth and internal competition we have seen from our wider squad made the selection process very difficult, however this speaks to the growth and exciting future of women's rugby in Aotearoa.' The Black Ferns start their title defence against Spain on August 25. Black Ferns World Cup Squad Loosehead props *Kate Henwood (36, Chiefs Manawa, Bay of Plenty, 10 Tests) Awhina Tangen-Wainohu (27, Blues, Waikato, 7 Tests) *Chryss Viliko (24, Blues, Auckland, 13 Tests) Hookers *Atlanta Lolohea (22, Blues, Canterbury, 7 Tests) *Vici-Rose Green (22, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 2 Tests) Georgia Ponsonby (25, Matatū, Canterbury, 31 Tests) Tighthead props Tanya Kalounivale (26, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 22 Tests) *Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (20, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 1 Test) Amy Rule (25, Matatū, Canterbury, 30 Tests) Locks *Laura Bayfield (26, Matatū, Canterbury, 1 Test) Alana Bremner (28, Matatū, Canterbury, 29 Tests) Chelsea Bremner (30, Matatū, Canterbury, 22 Tests) Maiakawanakaulani Roos (23, Blues, Auckland, 33 Tests) Loose forwards Liana Mikaele-Tu'u (23, Blues, Auckland, 29 Tests) *Jorja Miller (21, Black Ferns Sevens, Canterbury, 2 Tests) *Kaipo Olsen-Baker (23, Matatū, Manawatū, 12 Tests) *Layla Sae (24, Hurricanes Poua, Manawatū, 14 Tests) Kennedy Tukuafu (28, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 30 Tests) Halfbacks *Iritana Hohaia (25, Hurricanes Poua, Taranaki, 17 Tests) *Maia Joseph (23, Matatū, Otago, 11 Tests) *Risaleaana Pouri-Lane (25, Black Ferns Sevens, Tasman, 2 Tests) First five-eighths Kelly Brazier (35, Chiefs Manawa, Bay of Plenty, 43 Tests) Ruahei Demant (30, Blues, Auckland, 45 Tests) Midfielders Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i Sylvia Brunt (21, Blues, Auckland, 25 Tests) Amy du Plessis (26, Matatū, Canterbury, 21 Tests) Theresa Setefano (30, Blues, Auckland, 19 Tests) Stacey Waaka (29, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 27 Tests) Outside backs Renee Holmes (25, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 23 Tests) Ayesha Leti-I'iga (26, Hurricanes Poua, Wellington, 26 Tests) *Braxton Sorensen-McGee (18, Blues, Auckland, 3 Tests) *Katelyn Vahaakolo (25, Blues, Auckland, 17 Tests) Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (34, Blues, Northland, 27 Tests) Non-travelling reserve Krystal Murray (32, Chiefs Manawa, Northland, 14 Tests) *denotes first Rugby World Cup
Otago Daily Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Squad's potential excites coach
Georgia Cormick, pictured in action for the Spirit last year, brings experience after a season with the Western Force in Super Rugby Women. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES There is a quiet optimism about where the Otago Spirit could head this season. Head coach Matt Direen unveiled his 35-strong squad last week with an exciting blend of experienced heads and new blood to compete in the Farah Palmer Cup Championship this season. The Spirit made it to the Championship final last year, where they fell short against the Manawatu Cyclones. Direen knows what it takes to get there, having made the step up to head coach this season after several years as assistant, and is excited by the "unrealised potential" among his squad. "I think this squad has ability to go a long way and I don't think they potentially realise [yet] ... exciting to be sort of helping them reach that potential," Direen said. "Obviously some new girls coming in that bring quite a lot and established players that have proven they can do it. "Getting them all to realise just how good they can be as a squad is what we're trying to achieve at the moment." Several wise heads are back, including Tegan Hollows and Eilis Doyle, who played for Matatu, and Georgia Cormick and Sheree Hume, who played for the Western Force in Super Rugby Women. Exciting backs Charlotte Va'afusuaga, who was the Spirit's MVP in 2024, and Naomi Sopoaga also made their Matatu debuts. Former Tasman back-turned-loose forward Sarah Jones has shifted south, and halfback Abigail Paton — both were part of Matatu — returns home after a year with Canterbury. "The value of experience in today's game is massive," Direen said. "Having a few older heads having been in and in amongst that, and know what's required in terms of training and preparation. "You can tell those things from a coach, but seeing them modelled by players like Tegs, and Eilis, and those sort of girls, it's way more valuable than my words." Another experienced campaigner in Greer Muir will take over the captaincy this season. She replaces Julia Gorinski, who has retired but remains with the squad as assistant manager. Muir had developed as a calm head in pressure situations, set high expectations and delivered clear messages her players responded to, Direen said. "You notice a player when they talk [and] everyone else is quiet and Greer's that kind of person. "We've got a few leaders in that space, but Greer was certainly someone that stood out." Bella Rewiri-Wharerau has been ruled out for the season, but remains as an analyst, and Zoe Frood, Paige Church and Te Atawhai Campbell are also among the injury list. Campbell should hopefully be available at some stage, but the others were "not looking quite as promising", he said. The Spirit make the trip to Lincoln on Sunday to play a "game of three halves" against Tasman and Southland. They then head away to play Canterbury ahead of their Farah Palmer Cup opener. Both games were vital for "bridging between club footy and that next level" and preparing them for the season ahead. The Spirit open their season against North Harbour at Forsyth Barr Stadium on August 10.
Otago Daily Times
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Nine Matatu players in Black Ferns XV squad
Nine Matatu players have been named in the Black Ferns XV squad to tour South Africa later this month. 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.
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.
