Sport

Black Ferns return for Portia Woodman locked in

14:13 pm on 6 November 2021

Portia Woodman will play her first test since the 2017 Rugby World Cup final in the Black Ferns second test against England.

Women's Sevens all-time try scorer Portia Woodman a nominee for 2018 player of the year Photo: KLC fotos / World Rugby

Fresh off Olympic sevens gold in Tokyo, the star winger has been named as one of six changes to New Zealand's starting side for the match in Northampton on Monday morning (NZ time).

Cheyelle Robins-Reti was set for her test debut at fullback jersey, while Amy Rule and Maia Roos were in line for their first cap off the bench.

Since that 15s World Cup final four years ago, Woodman had won a World Cup Sevens, Commonwealth Games and Olympic gold with the Black Ferns Sevens, and returned from an injury layoff of almost 18 months.

"We took a cautious approach with Portia last week, this week she comes into the starting backline," head coach Glenn Moore said.

"Alongside Ayesha (Leti-I'iga) who was outstanding [in the first test] and Chey who has a massive work rate and good support play, we'll be looking to get the ball to them."

In what was there first test for almost two years, the Black Ferns kicked off their northern tour with a heavy 43-12 defeat in the first test against England.

Moore said there had been a notable shift in intensity this week.

"We were rusty. We were put under the pump at the line out and that limited the platform we had to work off so a lot of effort has gone into that this week.

"Also, the breakdown is an area we usually pride ourselves on and that was rusty too so there has been some honest conversations around how we need to improve."

Grace Houpapa-Barrett is promoted off the bench after a strong showing in her debut last weekend, while Grace Brooker earns her first start, joining Stacey Fluhler in the midfield.

Wellington's Joanah Ngan-Woo is brought into the starting line up and pairs with Kelsie Wills at lock, while 25-Test veteran Carla Hohepa come onto the bench.

Liana Mikaele-Tu'u is also brought into start at number 8 for the injured Dhys Faleafaga.

Black Ferns team:

1. Pip Love (12)

2. Grace Houpapa-Barrett (1)

3. Aleisha-Pearl Nelson (36)

4. Joanah Ngan-Woo (3)

5. Kelsie Wills (1)

6. Alana Bremner (1)

7. Les Elder - captain (19)

8. Liana Mikaele-Tu'u (1)

9. Kendra Cocksedge (54)

10. Ruahei Demant (12)

11. Ayesha Leti-I'iga (10)

12. Grace Brooker (2)

13. Stacey Fluhler (17)

14. Portia Woodman (16)

15. Cheyelle Robins-Reti (debut)

16. Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate (30)

17. Aldora Itunu (21)

18. Amy Rule (debut)

19. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (debut)

20. Kennedy Simon (5)

21. Ariana Bayler (1)

22. Patricia Maliepo (1)

23. Carla Hohepa (25)