Rugby: Ferns set for trans-Tasman battle

Huriana Manuel is tackled in the Black Ferns opening win over South Africa. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand's match against Australia in tomorrow's Women's Rugby World Cup is being billed as the most anticipated pool clash at this competition - but that hype may be far too generous for a game which the Black Ferns should be well good enough to win, reports www.scrumqueens.com.

The Black Ferns cruised through round one, crushing a weak South African challenge with ease, and though the defending champions know life will be much harder tomorrow, I don't expect there to be an upset.

New Zealand were not unduly tested on Friday but the ease in which they brushed aside what is a very strong South African pack will be a source of concern for every team they face. The Black Ferns are more renowned usually for hteir finishing ability out wide but their forward power looks to be packing a real punch at the moment.

The likes of Casey Robertson at number 8, lock Vicky Heighway and skipper Melissa Ruscoe combined to devastating effect on day one and I expect them to rise to the challenge against their rivals and starve Australia's talented backs of ball.

They will know they hold the advantage up front in this contest, with Australia's set-pieces likely to come under huge pressure.

Out wide is the one place Australia know they could hurt the Black Ferns and they will be confident that their back three and centres can do damage if they get time and space, but will they get it?

New Zealand know where to put the squeeze on and I expect that over 80 minutes they will do the job over their neighbours.

Australia were impressive enough themselves in beating Wales but their discipline was poor and they were reduced to 13 players at one stage - do that against New Zealand and they will be hugely punished as unlike Wales, they would certainly capitalise on such a numerical advantage.

A blow for Australia in the past few days is the loss of their impressive flyhalf Tui Ormsby who fractured an eye socket on the opening day and is out of the competition.

Her replacement Tobie McGann is certainly talented but head coach John Manenti will be praying she stays fit for the rest of the competition to direct his attack savvy backline where the likes of Tricia Brown and Sharni Williams are as good as any of the best players in the world.

These two sides have played 10 times and New Zealand are yet to drop a match - they are unlikely to start tomorrow.

Black Ferns starting XV
1. Mel Bosman
2. Fiao'o Faamausili
3. Steph TeOhaere-Fox
4. Vita Robinson
5. Victoria Heighway
6. Melissa Ruscoe, captain
7. Justine Lavea
8. Linda Itunu
9. Emma Jensen
10. Anna Richards
11. Victoria Grant
12. Kelly Brazier
13. Huriana Manuel
14. Carla Hohepa
15. Rebecca Mahoney (nee Hull)

Reserves
16. Karina Penetito
17. Ruth McKay
18. Monalisa Codling
19. Aroha Savage
20. Kendra Cocksedge
21. Trish Hina
22. Halie Hurring

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