Rugby: Black Ferns side named for opener

Black Ferns Anna Richards and Melissa Ruscoe. Photo / Nikki Williams

Black Ferns Coach Brian Evans and his Assistant Coach Grant Hansen have named their team to take on South Africa in New Zealand's first pool game at the IRB Women's Rugby World Cup in England early Saturday morning (NZT).

The starting XV has a wealth of experience with a combined 195 caps between them.

Auckland first five-eighth Anna Richards will start in her 45th international for the Black Ferns, further cementing her place as the most capped New Zealand women's rugby player.

Evans said he was pleased with how the squad had settled in since arriving in England.

"I am happy with how the players have been training and with our preparations for this match.

"We are in a competitive pool and the South Africans will challenge us, but we will be fielding a strong team and they are looking forward to getting the tournament off to a positive start," he said.

South Africa remains unbeaten in 2010 with Test victories over Kazakhstan and Scotland. Their team includes 10 members from the South African Rugby World Cup Sevens squad that competed at the inaugural tournament in Dubai last year.

The game against South Africa will be the Black Ferns 50th international match with their record currently standing at 46 wins and 3 losses.

Starting XV
1. Ruth McKay
2. Fiao'o Faamausili
3. Doris Taufateau
4. Vita Robinson
5. Victoria Heighway
6. Melissa Ruscoe, captain
7. Justine Lavea
8. Casey Robertson
9. Emma Jensen
10.Anna Richards
11.Renee Wickcliffe
12.Kelly Brazier
13.Huriana Manuel
14.Carla Hohepa
15.Victoria Grant

Reserves
16.Karina Penetito
17.Mel Bosman
18.Monalisa Codling
19.Joan Sione
20.Kendra Cocksedge
21.Rebecca Hull
22.Halie Hurring

Black Ferns pool games (all times and dates UK time)
New Zealand v South Africa, 20 August, 4.15pm, Surrey
New Zealand v Australia, 24 August, 4.15pm, Surrey
New Zealand v Wales, 28 August, 2.00pm, Surrey

- NZHERALD STAFF