Rugby: Nelson in rare prime time slot with Ferns

Nelson will be the only Northlander taking the field as Ohaeawai-born Portia Woodman has an ankle injury which has ruled her out of playing. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Forget the All Blacks versus England international tomorrow night, the real highlight for Northlanders is Black Fern Aleisha Nelson, who will be part of the curtainraiser.

Kaihu Valley's Nelson and her Black Ferns teammates have a double-whammy of an opportunity, opening for the All Blacks and having their match televised.

Nelson will be the only Northlander taking the field as Ohaeawai-born Portia Woodman has an ankle injury which has ruled her out of playing.

Last week, the Black Ferns beat Australia 38-3 in Rotorua in what was a rare televised event for them, which was also the opening match of the international women's rugby series being hosted in the Bay of Plenty this month.

New Zealand, Australia, Canada and Samoa are competing in the series; a warm-up to the women's Rugby World Cup in France in August.

Tomorrow's match between the Black Ferns and Manusina Samoa kicks off at 5pm before the All Blacks and England test match starts at 7.30pm.

Schedule

Tomorrow: NZ v Samoa, Eden Park (5pm).
Tuesday: NZ v Canada, Tauranga Domain (2.30pm). June 14: NZ v Canada, Rugby Park in Whakatane (2.30pm).