They're getting the band back together.
@Bovidae said in Black Ferns 2025:
That's a strong lineup for the training camp. Looks like a better squad than that which went to the UK.
Will be very interesting to see who they pick in the initial squad as I've got tickets to watch them play Aus in Newcastle on May 11, can't wait!
@RoninWC said in Black Ferns 2025:
That's a strong lineup for the training camp. Looks like a better squad than that which went to the UK.
A couple of non-selections too, which are justified (e.g., Pip Love).
@Bovidae said in Black Ferns 2025:
@RoninWC said in Black Ferns 2025:
That's a strong lineup for the training camp. Looks like a better squad than that which went to the UK.
A couple of non-selections too, which are justified (e.g., Pip Love).
Agreed, also ommitted from the camp is a personal favourite but someone that hasn't performed to her best since the last world cup final, Joanah Ngan-Woo.
She was coming back from injury but sadly could not earn a start in a side that was the worst performing team in Aupiki.
The big omissions are Ruby Tui, Renee Holmes, Luka Connor and Chelsea Bremner. The majority of the BF7s players are selected.
@Bovidae said in Black Ferns 2025:
The big omissions are Ruby Tui, Renee Holmes, Luka Connor and Chelsea Bremner.
When was the last time the ABs cut a bunch of older stars before they retired? Good to see some ruthlessness around
Dare I say the Holmes and Tui omissions are deserved. Both far from their best form for Manawa this year.
And yet Brazier is still there...
No problem with Tui being gone. Let's see how Sorensen-McGee's defence is at international level. I wouldn't be surprised if Paul starts at fullback.
@Yeetyaah said in Black Ferns 2025:
Dare I say the Holmes and Tui omissions are deserved. Both far from their best form for Manawa this year.
No ABs playing like shit in SR tho, thankfully, so they'll all be in for France 
@Yeetyaah said in Black Ferns 2025:
Dare I say the Holmes and Tui omissions are deserved. Both far from their best form for Manawa this year.
I have to say I wasn't super impressed by Holmes, even during the RWC. Lacked pace, not strong in the tackle, kicking was patchy
The BFs got badly exposed by England on the edges, so that needs to be addressed. And defending mauls, of course.
Let's see how Bunting fits all the star players into the backline.
The selections will be more interesting once the BF7s women are available.
7 days later
Black Ferns v Canada
1 Chryss Viliko
2 Georgia Ponsonby
3 Amy Rule
4 Alana Bremner
5 Maiakawanakaulani Roos
6 Layla Sae
7 Kennedy Tukuafu (Co-captain)
8 Liana Mikaele-Tu’u
9 Maia Joseph
10 Ruahei Demant (Co-captain)
11 Ayesha Leti-I’iga
12 Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt
13 Amy du Plessis
14 Portia Woodman-Wickliffe
15 Braxton Sorensen-McGee
16 Atlanta Lolohea
17 Kate Henwood
18 Tanya Kalounivale
19 Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu
20 Kaipo Olsen-Baker
21 Iritana Hohaia
22 Hannah King
23 Mererangi Paul
Portia is the only BF7s player included. Liana Mikaele-Tu'u back from injury. Canada beat NZ at this ground last year, and this will be the toughest match of these three.
I think that will happen, with Paul going to the wing. I would rate Brunt and du Plessis as the 4th and 5th midfield options. Waaka and Setefano haven't even featured yet.
Canada have also brought some of their sevens players in.
Du Plessis isn't good enough to start IMO. Bench option at best. She did have a good Aupiki season but was shown up in the Aupiki final by Demant and Woodman. Du Plessis also fluffed a 4-1 overlap last week. I guess Bunting is being cautious against Canada but it would've been a far more potent backline to reunite the Matatu halves (Joseph/King) and unite the Blues midfield (Demant/Woodman). That then gives room for a Leti-Iiga/Sorensen-McGee/Vahaakolo back-3 with Waaka/Setefano on the bench.
Also thought the loosies are wrong. Not sure why Sa'e keeps starting. She was the least impressive of all the loosies in Aupiki. I'd have put Mikaele-Tu'u at six, Olsen-Baker at eight, and start Tukuafu at seven but with Miller on the bench. Mikaele-Tu'u is the lineout option among those three.
@Auckman said in Black Ferns 2025:
Du Plessis isn't good enough to start IMO. Bench option at best. She did have a good Aupiki season but was shown up in the Aupiki final by Demant and Woodman. Du Plessis also fluffed a 4-1 overlap last week. I guess Bunting is being cautious against Canada but it would've been a far more potent backline to reunite the Matatu halves (Joseph/King) and unite the Blues midfield (Demant/Woodman). That then gives room for a Leti-Iiga/Sorensen-McGee/Vahaakolo back-3 with Waaka/Setefano on the bench.
Also thought the loosies are wrong. Not sure why Sa'e keeps starting. She was the least impressive of all the loosies in Aupiki. I'd have put Mikaele-Tu'u at six, Olsen-Baker at eight, and start Tukuafu at seven but with Miller on the bench. Mikaele-Tu'u is the lineout option among those three.
I'm a fan of du Plessis, but she lacks a bit of pace.