Black Ferns Halfbacks Face Intense Competition as World Cup Defence Looms

As the Black Ferns prepare to defend their Rugby World Cup title in England, the spotlight is firmly on the halfback positions, where competition is fierce and the stakes are high. With a 33-player squad announced, the team is a blend of seasoned veterans and young, high-energy talents, all vying for a place in the final 23-player squad that will take on the world.

Assistant coach Tony Christie emphasized the importance of balancing experience and youth, stating, "We’ve got girls here who have won pinnacle events, whether it be World Cups or gold medalists, and then we’ve got some young players with some real flair and a real high-risk attitude which we love in this team." This balance is crucial as the team faces the challenge of maintaining their dominance on the global stage.

The squad includes 14 players making their World Cup debut, with six of them having played in three tests or fewer. Meanwhile, others are entering their third or fourth World Cup. This mix of experience and fresh talent is expected to drive the team forward as they aim to secure their seventh World Cup title.

Among the standout names in the squad are Braxton Sorensen-McGee, a young fullback, and sevens stars Jorja Miller and Risaleaana Pouri-Lane. Additionally, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, who had previously retired, has made a remarkable return to the team, excelling on the wing this season.

The halfback position is particularly hotly contested, with Risaleaana Pouri-Lane, Maia Joseph, and Iritana Hohaia all vying for the No. 9 jersey. Christie noted, "We’ve got three quality halfbacks there. It’s going to be a heck of a race and each halfback provides something a little bit different." The competition is expected to push the players to their limits both physically and mentally, as they prepare for the intense challenges of the World Cup.

The Black Ferns will complete their final preparations in Wellington before heading to England on August 13. Their World Cup campaign will begin with a match against Spain on August 25, followed by games against Japan and Ireland in pool play.

Black Ferns Rugby World Cup Squad (Selected Positions):

• Props: Chryss Viliko, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Kate Henwood, Tanya Kalounivale, Amy Rule, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu.
• Hookers: Georgia Ponsonby, Atlanta Lolohea, Vici-Rose Green.
• Locks: Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Alana Bremner, Chelsea Bremner, Laura Bayfield.
• Loose Forwards: Kennedy Tukuafu, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Jorja Miller, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Layla Sae.
• Halfbacks: Risileaana Pouri-Lane, Maia Joseph, Iritana Hohaia.
• First-fives: Ruahei Demant, Kelly Brazier.
• Midfield: Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu, Atai’i Sylvia Brunt, Amy du Plessis, Stacey Waaka, Theresa Setefano.
• Outside Backs: Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Renee Holmes.

Black Ferns Rugby World Cup Pool Fixtures:

• New Zealand v Spain: York Community Stadium, York – Monday, August 25, 4:30 AM.
• New Zealand v Japan: Sandy Park, Exeter – Monday, September 1, 1:00 AM.
• New Zealand v Ireland: Brighton and Hove Albion Stadium, Brighton – Monday, September 8, 1:45 AM.

As the countdown to the World Cup begins, the Black Ferns are in a strong position to build on their legacy, with Christie expressing confidence in the team’s ability to "continue to build on the foundations of our game and putting the final pieces together towards the World Cup." The upcoming matches will be a crucial test of their strength, adaptability, and unity as they aim to reclaim the title that has become synonymous with New Zealand rugby.