Black Ferns lock Charmaine Smith returns to the test arena while three hopeful debutants have been named on the bench for the O’Reilly Cup clash against Australia in Hamilton on Saturday.
With 27 caps to her name, Smith returns for the first time since 2019. In-form Auckland Storm utility back Patricia Maliepo will join Smith in the starting fifteen, in her first start of the 2023 season.
Three potential debutants will be eager to take the field and inject plenty of energy following successful provincial campaigns; mobile Auckland loosehead prop Chryss Viliko, Manawatū loose forward Layla Sae, and elusive Canterbury winger Martha Mataele.
A powerful front row has been selected with Canterbury duo of hooker Georgia Ponsonby and tighthead prop Amy Rule, packing down with Northland’s loosehead prop Krystal Murray in just her second Test start. Maiakawanakaulani Roos will combine with Smith at lock to complete the tight five. Loose forward trio of Alana Bremner, Kennedy Simon and Liana Mikaele Tu’u will round out an experienced forward pack.
Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu and Ruahei Demant will direct play at nine and ten, while the dominant midfield combination of Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai’i (Sylvia) Brunt and Amy du Plessis will start at 12 and 13. A youthful back three will see Katelyn Vahaakolo on the left wing, Mererangi Paul on the right wing and Maliepo at fullback.