Sevens: Black Ferns name strong side for World Series in Paris

Bay of Plenty's Ruby Tui in action for the Black Ferns. Photo / File

The Black Ferns Sevens take the field in Paris this weekend in the closing round of the HSBC World Series with a chance to claim back-to-back titles.

Trailing Australia by four points in the standings, the Black Ferns Sevens need to finish two places ahead of their transtasman rivals if they are to claim their fifth World Series title.

"There is a bit on the line but we have to take it game by game. We have to get out of our pool first," coach Allan Bunting says.

"We've got a tough one. England first up, Wales, who we don't know much about, and then Ireland who have done well in the last few tournaments."

There are two changes to the team that lifted the Langford Sevens title last month, with the return of Gayle Broughton and Shiray Kaka (nee Tane) who last played for the team in 2016.

"We need to develop the talent we have on the wing. We have Michaela [Blyde] who is relentless and reliable. But we need depth there so this is an opportunity for Shiray to come back and show what she can do," Bunting says.

Kaka says the game has progressed a lot in two years and she was looking forward to running out with the team again tomorrow. Earlier this year, Kaka married former All Blacks Sevens player Gillies Kaka.

"I'm looking forward to wearing my husband's last name on my jersey. I get to wear Kaka for the first time, hopefully I get a bit of razzle into my game while I'm wearing it," she says.

It is the first time the women have played in France and Bunting says they have enjoyed their time in Paris in the build-up.

"The players are really excited about being in Paris. We know what rugby means to the French, they love it. It's going to be a really special occasion."

Black Ferns squad
1. Ruby Tui Bay of Plenty, 2. Shiray Kaka Waikato, 3. Stacey Waaka Waikato, Niall Williams Auckland, 5. Sarah Goss — captain Manawatū, 6. Michaela Blyde Bay of Plenty, 7. Tyla Nathan-Wong Auckland, 8. Kelly Brazier Bay of Plenty, 9. Gayle Broughton Taranaki, 10. Theresa Fitzpatrick Auckland, 11. Portia Woodman Counties Manukau, 12. Tenika Willison Waikato