Black Ferns head coach Glenn Moore has introduced two new players to his starting lineup for Saturday's return match against the New Zealand Barbarians in Nelson.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Wing Grace Steinmetz and fullback Renee Holmes would wear the New Zealand jersey for the first time as Moore continued to test new combinations following their 34-15 win at Waitakere last weekend.
Moore also recalled loose forward Pia Tapsell (Bay of Plenty) and hooker Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate (Northland) for their first start in the black jersey in 2020.
"Both Grace and Renee are familiar with high performance environments which has made their transition into the Black Ferns easier.
"Grace has a high work rate and the ability to create opportunities on the field due to her elusive speed. We expect her to make a big impact.
"Renee has impressed us during this year's Farah Palmer Cup. Recently she switched to fullback after having played at both halfback and first five. It's given her a sound understanding of the game and she's a confident decision maker."
After scoring two tries on debut, Counties Manukau's Langi Veainu was given her second start on the wing, while Amy du Plessis started at centre after covering the wing from the bench last week.
Following her Black Ferns debut last weekend, Canterbury's Chelsea Bremner started at lock, with fellow new second rower Kelsie Wills backing up from the bench.
Moore said the changes to the squad were an opportunity to try different combinations following some key lessons from the first match against the Barbarians.
"There's a lot of talent in this team but at times we allowed the Baa Baas to gain momentum which put us under pressure. This week we've been polishing our basic skillset and focussing on defence."
BLACK FERNS TEAM (TEST CAPS):
1. Phillipa Love (11)
2. Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate (31)
3. Aleisha-Pearl Nelson (35)
4. Eloise Blackwell (Captain, 43)
5. Chelsea Bremner
6. Pia Tapsell (6)
7. Kennedy Simon (4)
8. Charmaine McMenamin (25)
9. Kendra Cocksedge (Vice Captain, 53)
10. Ruahei Demant (11)
11. Langi Veainu
12. Chelsea Alley (24)
13. Amy du Plessis
14. Grace Steinmetz
15. Renee Holmes
16. Luka Connor (4)
17. Toka Natua (22)
18. Aldora Itunu (20)/Tanya Kalounivale
19. Kelsie Wills
20. Aroha Savage (33)
21. Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu (6)
22. Hazel Tubic (11)
23. Natahlia Moors (2)/Selica Winiata (40)
