PREVIEW: Black Ferns v Wallaroos (Adelaide)

· ALLBLACKS.COM · GETTY IMAGES
GettyImages 1415950160
For the first time since 2019, the Black Ferns are in Australia, determined to continue their winning record against the Wallaroos in the second and final Test of the O’Reilly Cup series in Adelaide.

Match details: Black Ferns v Wallaroos, Saturday 27 August, 2.45pm NZT, Adelaide Oval

 

Watch: Live on Sky Sport

 

Referee: Amber McLachlan

Assistant Referees: Maggie Cogger-Orr & Tyler Miller

TMO: Lee Jeffrey

 

O’REILLY CUP LOCKED AWAY

While one of the big goals for 2022 has been ticked off, the Black Ferns will want to keep their unbeaten record against Australia intact in Adelaide on Saturday afternoon. The O’Reilly Cup was safely locked away for another year on Saturday night in Christchurch, after a 52-5 win, because the Black Ferns were current holders. But there is no way the Black Ferns will get complacent at the Adelaide Oval. They haven’t lost to Australia in 21 occasions, so maintaining that record will be hugely important.

 

COACHES DEMAND IMPROVEMENTS

Despite the favourable score line at Orangetheory Stadium, Black Ferns assistant coaches Whitney Hansen and Wes Clarke are demanding improvements in the second Test. As defence coach, Clarke was disappointed they conceded a try in the 79th minute and Wayne Smith still felt they had multiple more opportunities to score. The foot certainly won’t be taken off the throttle this weekend.  

 

MORE DEBUTANTS

The Black Ferns have already blooded 13 debutants in 2022 and more are expected on Saturday. A Test debut has been a long time coming for utility back Grace Steinmetz, who has been named to start at fullback on Saturday. She made her Black Ferns debut back in 2020, but injury has meant she is yet to make her Test debut. She will be joined by fellow debutant Santo Taumata, with the prop set to come off the pine in Adelaide.

 

 

LETHAL LETI-I’IGA

Ayesha Leti-I’iga was in menacing form in Christchurch, form she has maintained right throughout the 2022 season thus far. In the opening Test, she scored two tries, ran 114 metres, made 16 carries and beat five defenders. The speedy winger has now scored nine tries in 16 Tests. The 23 year-old is proving to be very difficult to stop and is flourishing under the current coaching regime. She’ll be number one on the Wallaroos’ list to contain on Saturday afternoon.  

 

TEAMS

 

Black Ferns: 1. Pip Love 2. Luka Connor 3. Amy Rule 4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos 5. Joanah Ngan-Woo 6. Alana Bremner 7. Kendra Reynolds 8. Kennedy Simon (cc) 9. Ariana Bayler 10. Ruahei Demant (cc) 11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga 12. Chelsea Semple 13. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai’i (Sylvia) Brunt 14. Ruby Tui 15. Grace Steinmetz*

 

Reserves: 16. Natalie Delamere 17. Krystal Murray 18. Santo Taumata* 19. Chelsea Bremner 20. Charmaine McMenamin 21. Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu 22. Renee Holmes 23. Hazel Tubic

 

*debut

 

Wallaroos: 1. Liz Patu 2. Adiana Talakai 3. Eva Karpani 4. Atasi Lafai 5. Michaela Leonard 6. Emily Chancellor 7. Shannon Parry 8. Grace Hamilton 9. Iliseva Batibasaga 10. Arabella McKenzie 11. Ivania Wong 12. Siokapesi Palu 13. Georgina Friedrichs 14. Bienne Terita 15. Pauline Piliae-Rasabale

 

Reserves: 16. Ashley Marsters 17. Emily Robinson 18. Bridie O’Gorman 19. Kaitlan Leaney 20. Piper Duck 21. Layne Morgan 22. Trilleen Pomare 23. Lori Cramer

 

LATEST NEWS

View all
Whitelock and Barrett excited to play at home ground
Continuity in selection, and the chance it allowed to extend the development of combinations will be a driver for the All Blacks in their Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship Test against Argentina in Christchurch on Saturday.
David Havili expecting arm wrestle with Argentina
Continuing their development in the face of an anticipated strong challenge from Argentina was the goal for the All Blacks in their Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship Test in Christchurch on Saturday.
Smith wants more accuracy from Black Ferns in Adelaide
The Black Ferns have played the Wallaroos twice in 2022 and the contrast between both matches was stark.
All Blacks to take changed approach into Argentina Test
Argentina will present a changed approach to the All Blacks for Saturday's Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship Test in Christchurch.
All Blacks named for Test against Argentina in Christchurch
All Blacks selectors Ian Foster, Joe Schmidt and Jason Ryan have announced the match-day 23 for the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship Test against Argentina at Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch.
Hawke's Bay Tui stepping in right direction - Krysten Cottrell
Despite a cancelled fixture against Tasman, Hawke’s Bay are guaranteed a home semifinal in the Farah Palmer Cup Championship next weekend.
Bunnings NPC Round Four: Team Lists
Canterbury and North Harbour enter their storm week in Round Four, with Harbour facing an exciting Ranfurly Shield challenge against Hawke’s Bay in Napier on Saturday afternoon.

Farah Palmer Cup Prem Round 7 & Champ QFs: Team Lists
The Farah Palmer Cup Championship division have made it to the quarterfinal stages of the competition, with Otago and Hawke’s Bay awaiting the winners of the two quarterfinal matches.

Two debutants feature in Black Ferns clash against Australia
Black Ferns coaches Wayne Smith, Wes Clarke and Whitney Hansen have made several changes to the side that locked in the O’Reilly Cup for another year with victory in Christchurch last weekend. The team will face Australia in the second Test in Adelaide this Saturday.
Jordie Barrett expecting aerial assault to continue against Argentina
All Blacks fullback Jordie Barrett is expecting no relief from the aerial assault from Argentina in Saturday's Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship Test in Christchurch.
Sam Cane proud of 'tight and focused' group ahead of Argentina challenge
Coping with the confidence and physicality of an Argentine side would be another step in the All Blacks' progress in their Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship Test in Christchurch on Saturday, captain Sam Cane said.
Black Ferns coaches after improvements in second Test
The Black Ferns achieved their third largest victory over Australia on Saturday night with a 52-5 triumph in the first Test of the O'Reilly Cup series in Christchurch.
All Black props excited about new challenge of Argentina
New All Black props Fletcher Newell and Tyrel Lomax have taken confidence from their contribution to New Zealand's 26-10 win over South Africa in the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship Test at Ellis Park.
All Blacks wary of evolving Argentinian side
Argentina's record-breaking 48-17 win over Australia would ensure the All Blacks would prepare in full concentration mode ahead of Saturday's Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship Test in Christchurch.
O'Reilly legacy looms large in the Black Ferns
When Wayne Smith was appointed head coach of the All Blacks in 2000 one of the first things he did was write to the O'Reilly family to thank them for the contribution and influence Laurie O'Reilly had on his coaching career. A letter dated February 22, 2000 reads:
Argentina squad named for New Zealand Tests
Argentina spent a week in Sydney preparing for their first Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship Test against the All Blacks in Christchurch on Saturday.
Bunnings Heartland Championship: Round 1 Results
South Canterbury, last season's Meads Cup winners made a strong start to their 2022 Bunnings Heartland campaign with a 23-17 win over Thames Valley on Saturday.

Bunnings NPC: Round 3 Review
Upsets were the story of the third round of Bunnings NPC action at the weekend.
Farah Palmer Cup: Round 6 Review
Canterbury and Otago remain unbeaten after Round Six of the Farah Palmer Cup, all but securing home semifinals.
Black Ferns hit the high notes
The Black Ferns have opened the Laurie O’Reilly Cup series with a resounding 52-5 defeat of the Australian Wallaroos at Christchurch’s Orangetheory Stadium.