The Blacks Ferns and the New Zealand Barbarians squads were named yesterday for their two-match series, which starts in Auckland on Saturday.
There are nine new caps in the Black Ferns and one of them is Otago centre Amy Du Plessis. She comes into the squad, while her Otago midfield partner, Kilisitina Moata’ane, who is a contracted Black Ferns player, was named in the Barbarians.
Also named in the Barbarians squad were Otago inside back Rosie Kelly and loose forward Morgan Henderson.
Like many players who win selection, Du Plessis made the most of the opportunity given to her.
She was named in the reserves for the Probables team in the Black Ferns trial on Saturday at North Harbour Stadium but was on the field in the opening minutes and played the bulk of the trial.
Though the Probables lost the game, Du Plessis (21) had a strong game and did not look out of place in the company of some top players.
Du Plessis was born in South Africa and spent her first few years in Johannesburg before moving to New Zealand aged 7, following her grandfather who had a dairy farm in Southland. Her parents own a farm in Drummond.
She has been involved in the Black Ferns sevens programme and played for the national sevens development team last year.
A speedy centre, she has played for the Spirit over the past couple of years as Southland does not have a team in the Farah Palmer Cup.
Moata’ane will still be in the mix and should get a start in the two matches. The first match will be played in Auckland on Saturday and the second in Nelson on November 21.
Henderson was not invited to the trial, although she attended a Black Ferns camp late last year. A loose forward, she is a physical player with plenty of energy. The depth in the loose forwards is strong but Henderson, who is based in Oamaru, should make an impact.
Kelly (21) came off the bench in the trial but took a blow to the head. She is a skilful player who can also play halfback.
The Black Ferns have a new captain in Auckland lock Eloise Blackwell, who skippering the side this year.
Blackwell, a 29-year-old lock from Great Barrier Island, made her debut in the black jersey in 2011 against England. With 43 caps to her name, she was part of the Black Ferns 2014 and 2017 Rugby World Cup campaigns.
Canterbury halfback Kendra Cocksedge has been named vice-captain.
Last year’s captain Lesley Elder was not selected because of injury.
The starting sides will be named tomorrow.
