Return of Black Ferns timely ahead of semi-final encounter
Kendra Cocksedge and her Black Ferns teammates return from international duty for the Farah Palmer Cup Semi-Finals, with the Canterbury side to play Wellington named today.
The enigmatic halfback will feature in her 99th game for Canterbury, following announcing her impending retirement yesterday after this year’s Rugby World Cup.
Captain Alana Bremner returns to lead the side, alongside fellow Black Ferns Phillipa Love, Georgia Ponsonby, Chelsea Bremner, Grace Steinmetz and Amy Du Plessis.
“We are grateful to have their leadership, skill set and experience back in the side. We are super proud of the team & all the players that stepped up in their absence by securing two wins and the JJ Stewart Trophy.” said Head Coach Blair Baxter.
Stephanie Te Ohaere-Fox, one of those that has been impressive over the last couple of weeks, is rewarded with a start, Easter Savelio getting her chance to impose herself on the game at number eight for her first start of the season.
Leading try scorer Martha Mataele shifts to the right wing, while the bench will feature the impact of Di Hiini and Atlanta Lolohea, just two of the number of players who have performed admirably in the last few weeks.
“The 23 that we have got at our disposable is one that instills a lot of excitement and trust, and we’ll be ready for the challenge of the Pride on Sunday” said Baxter.
The semi-final kicks off at 11:35am on Sunday, with tickets available here.
Team to play Wellington:
Phillipa Love
Georgia Ponsonby
Stephanie Te Ohaere-Fox
Stacey Niao
Chelsea Bremner
Alana Bremner ( C )
Lucy Jenkins
Easter Savelio
Kendra Cocksedge
Terauoriwa Gapper
Grace Steinmetz
Charntay Poko
Amy Du Plessis
Martha Mataele
Rosie Kelly
Atlanta Lolohea
Amy Milnes
Lucy Anderson
Sammy Spence
Greer Muir
Di Hiini
Isabella Waterman
Patricia Hopcroft