Black Ferns named for second test

Posted on Nov 29, 2011 in NZ, Women's Rugby

Black Ferns Coach Grant Hansen has named his team to face the second of three Tests England tomorrow morning (Wednesday NZT) at Esher RFC.

Hansen has made several changes to his starting line-up after the Black Ferns suffered a disappointing 10-0 loss in the first Test at Twickenham.  The defeat came at a high price with veteran hooker Fiao’o Faamausili suffering a devastating knee injury which has ended her tour, and captain Victoria Grant out with an ankle injury.

Casey Robertson steps into the captaincy and No 8 jersey for tomorrow’s Test.  Halfback Emma Jensen  notches up 30th Test caps while four new faces are set to make their debuts – Kelani Matapo, Lydia Crossman, Katarina Whata, and Muteremoana Aiatu. 

“Whilst being disappointed with the first Test we have worked on several areas of our game and we are looking forward to a better, more dominant performance at Esher.

“We have made several changes, some forced through injury, but we want to see the whole squad get game time to enable us to develop depth in all positions.

“It has been a very short turn around between the first and second Tests so a lot of our preparation has been off the field.  The key to success will be winning the collision, dominating the breakdown and securing lightning quick ball for our backs to use.  We need to start the game strongly, dominate field position and take all the chances we are given,” Hansen said.

Fiao’o has ruptured the posterior cruciate ligament in her knee and damaged her posterolateral complex.  She will require a surgical opinion when she returns home to assess the need for surgery.  In the meantime she will stay in camp with the team to receive treatment while she awaits medical clearance to fly home with the rest of the team.

“It’s also been disappointing for Victoria who has suffered a lateral ankle sprain. The plan is for her to have intensive treatment in the hope she’ll be fit for Saturday’s third Test,” Hansen said.

Former Black Fern Stephanie Te Ohaere Fox – currently resident in the United Kingdom -  has been called into the squad to cover the specialist hooker spot behind Karina Penetito, who starts in the number 2 jersey.

The Black Ferns team to play England at Esher RFC on Wednesday (NZT) is:

(Test caps noted in brackets)

1          Kathleen Wilton                   (3)
2          Karina Penetito                    (10)
3          Mel Bosman                          (13)
4          Vita Robinson                      (9)
5          Kelani Matapo                      (0)
6          Lydia Crossman                   (0)
7          Justine Lavea                       (15)
8          Casey Robertson (C)          (22)      
9          Kendra Cocksedge              (9)
10        Rebecca Mahoney              (14)   
11        Renee Wickliffe                   (5)      
12        Amiria Rule                           (21)
13        Shakira Baker                       (1)    
14        Katarina Whata                    (0)
15        Kelly Brazier                         (8)
16        Stephanie TeOhaere-Fox  (9)
17        Muteremoana Aiatu             (0)
18        Eloise Blackwell                   (1)
19        Aroha Savage                      (3)
20        Emma Jensen                      (29)
21        Teresa Te Tamaki                (3)
22        Hazel Tubic                           (1)      

England women whitewash Black Ferns

Posted on Nov 27, 2011 in England, English Rugby, NZ, Women's Rugby

England Women put behind them the heartache of losing the 2010 Rugby World Cup final tonight (Saturday) by defeating the world champions, New Zealand, 10-0 at Twickenham Stadium.

Gary Street’s side, who last took on the Black Ferns 14 months ago and lost 13-10, controlled a superb game at the home of England Rugby to take the hard earned but well deserved victory. A 30th minute try from Margaret Alphonsi, which followed some superb work by Woman of the Match Emily Scarratt, as well as a conversion and drop goal from skipper Katy McLean sealed the victory for the home side.

England Head Coach Street said: “14 months of sheer hard work and preparation went into today’s performance. We were not satisfied with our performance in the world cup final and we had a point to prove as much to ourselves as anyone. We played some good expansive rugby and our big players stood up and put the work in all over the park. It feels great that all our hard work has paid off today.

“All that said this is the start of a three test series against the world champions. Although I think we dominated most of the game and a lot of the areas, we have to keep this performance and momentum going. New Zealand are the world champions after all and there is no doubt that they will want to bounce back bigger and stronger on Tuesday at Esher, but we will be ready for that.”

Unlike the world cup final England began the game with great control and attacked the Black Ferns hard. Nine minutes in and the visitors had not had a sniff in England’s half. The Black Ferns battled hard to regain control and they started to put pressure on England’s scrum but in the end they were penalised and England were awarded a penalty on 15 minutes. Fly-half McLean couldn’t make the penalty with her kick going just below the crossbar, but that didn’t put the home side off their stride.

England continued to keep New Zealand in their half and came close to scoring after 20 minutes. Good line-out ball from Lichfield hooker Vicky Fleetwood saw lock Rowena Burnfield take it in. Alphonsi and Becky Essex both picked and drove, but in the end they couldn’t ground the ball with the Black Ferns defence holding firm.

After 30 minutes though England secured a crucial try. Again, another well-worked line-out, with Tamara Taylor this time securing good, clean ball, saw the ball recycled out through La Toya Mason, McLean and then Scarratt who made a superb break with a great line cut through New Zealand’s defence. The Lichfield centre couldn’t make the try-line but Alphonsi was in support and blasted her way through to score. With McLean converting England took a 7-0 lead at half-time.

New Zealand had their chances after the break when McLean’s kick was scooped up by wing Renee Wickliffe. Wickcliffe found space and ran through England’s defence but lost control of the ball close to the try-line when Scarratt came in and covered well in defence.

England rang the changes as the 50 minute mark neared with Rachael Burford, Amy Tuner, Natasha Hunt and Laura Keates all coming on. And it unsettled New Zealand who nearly conceded a second try when Alphonsi got on the end of a clever chip from McLean, but again she was unable to secure the ball and ground it.

McLean though continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over and stroked over a drop goal on 58 minutes to give the home side a 10-0 lead. England’s wingers, Michaela Staniford and Katherine Merchant, meanwhile continued to heap the pressure on New Zealand and Merchant came close to scoring after a 40 metre break, only for a tap tackle ten metres out to take her down.

England and New Zealand are back in action on Tuesday for the second of the three match series at Esher RFC, kick off 7pm, before the final match on Saturday December 3rd, kick-off 2pm, at Esher RFC also.

England

15 Danielle   Waterman      (Worcester), 14 Katherine  Merchant       (Worcester), 13 Emily          Scarratt            (Lichfield), 12 Kimberley     Oliver  (Bristol), 11 Michaela Staniford     (Wasps), 10 Katy      McLean            (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks) (C), 9 La Toya         Mason            (Wasps), 1 Rochelle            Clark   (Worcester), 2 Victoria         Fleetwood     (Lichfield), 3 Sophie            Hemming       (Bristol), 4 Rowena Burnfield   (Richmond), 5 Tamara        Taylor(Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 6 Rebecca            Essex(Richmond), 7 Margaret      Alphonsi        (Saracens) (VC), 8 Sarah   Hunter            (Lichfield). Replacements: 16 Amy       Turner            (Richmond), 17 Laura        Keates            (Worcester), 18 Marlie            Packer            (Bristol), 19 Alexandra  Matthews(Richmond), 20 Natasha    Hunt   (Lichfield), 21 Rachael         Burford (Richmond), 22 Kay          Wilson            (Richmond)

Tries: Alphonsi

Conversions: McLean

Penalties:

Drop goals: McLean

Substitutions: Wilson for Waterman (47), Burford for Oliver (51), Turner for Fleetwood (55), Hunt for Mason (55), Keates for Clark (55), Packer for Essex (58), Matthews for Alphonsi (78)

New Zealand

15 Victoria Grant (C), 14 Shakira Baker, 13 Kelly Brazier, 12 Amiria Rule,  11 Renee Wickliffe, 10 Rebecca Mahoney, 9 Emma Jensen, 1 Kathleen Wilton, 2 Fiao’o Faamausili, 3 Mel Bosman, 4 Vita Robinson, 5 Eloise Blackwell, 6 Amanda Murphy, 7 Justine Lavea, 8 Casey Robertson. Replecaments: 16 Karina Penetito, 17 Doris Taufateau, 18 Rawina Everitt, 19 Aroha Savage, 20 Kendra Cocksedge, 21 Teresa Te Tamaki, 22 Hazel Tubic

Referee: Steve Lee

Assistant Referees: Clare Daniels & Darryl Chapman

Half-time score: England 7 New Zealand 0

Black Ferns to play England named

Posted on Nov 25, 2011 in England, English Rugby, Women's Rugby

Black Ferns Coach Grant Hansen has named the team to face England for their first of three clashes on Sunday morning (NZT) at Twickenham.

Two of the squad’s eight new faces – lock Eloise Blackwell (Auckland) and winger Shakira Baker (Wellington) – will earn their first Test caps after being picked into the starting XV while Canterbury’s Amanda Murphy also makes her debut in the No 6 jersey.  Fellow debutants Aucklanders Rawinia Everitt and Hazel Tubic will get their chance to earn their first caps off the bench. 

The four-time Women’s Rugby World Cup (WRWC) champion Black Ferns will play England immediately after Graham Henry’s Barbarians side takes on Australia at Twickenham.

Coach Grant Hansen said the team’s preparations for their first clash had gone well and the women were eager to take to the field.

“Competition for starting positions has been strong throughout our trainings in England and it was a difficult task to name the 22 for this first Test.

“The team is looking to start the tour with a strong performance at Twickenham.  It is an honour to play at this ground and we are excited about what lies ahead,” Hansen said.

It will be the first time the two sides have met since the Black Ferns beat England 13 – 10 in the 2010 WRWC Final.

The current tour is the first part of a three-year programme that will see the Black Ferns play England again in 2012 and 2013.

The Black Ferns v England Test will be broadcast live on SKY Sport 3, with coverage from 5.40am on Sunday (NZT).  Kickoff is at 6am New Zealand time.  Delayed coverage follows on the Rugby Channel from 7.30am (NZT).

The Black Ferns team to play England at Twickenham on Sunday (NZT) is:

(Test caps noted in brackets)

1          Kathleen Wilton       (2)

2          Fiao’o Faamausili    (20)    

3          Mel Bosman (12)

4          Vita Robinson          (8)

5          Eloise Blackwell       (0)

6          Amanda Murphy      (0)

7          Justine Lavea           (14)

8          Casey Robertson     (28)

9          Emma Jensen          (21)

10        Rebecca Mahoney (13)

11        Renee Wickliffe       (4)

12        Amiria Rule               (20)

13        Kelly Brazier             (7)

14        Shakira Baker           (0)

15        Victoria Grant (C)     (14)

16        Karina Penetito        (9)

17        Doris Taufateau       (4)

18        Rawina Everitt          (0)

19        Aroha Savage          (2)

20        Kendra Cocksedge  (8)

21        Teresa Te Tamaki    (2)

22        Hazel Tubic               (0)

Exciting new era for Black Ferns

Posted on Aug 2, 2011 in NZ, Women's Rugby

New Zealand’s world champion Black Ferns will have a guaranteed annual programme for the next three years to bolster their formidable playing record and already strong international reputation.

The multi-year programme agreed between the RFU (England) and NZRU will guarantee the Black Ferns play a total nine Test matches against England over the next three years.

The new era commences in November 2011 with the Black Ferns travelling to England for a three-Test series against last year’s Women’s RWC runners-up.  England hosts the Black Ferns again for a three Test series in 2012, before New Zealand hosts England in 2013 for three matches including Tests against the Black Ferns.

With RWC Black Ferns Coach Brian Evans taking a break from coaching this year, the NZRU today also announced the appointment of Assistant Coach Grant Hansen as the Black Ferns Head Coach this year, with Otago Women’s NPC coach John Kyle being appointed as his Assistant Coach.

NZRU General Manager Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen said the three year-programme and coaching team provided certainty for the Black Ferns heading into the 2014 Women’s RWC in France where they will be seeking to achieve an astonishing fifth consecutive title.

“This is a huge step forward for us and the Black Ferns.  We have been working for a number of years to find meaningful opportunities and opponents for the Black Ferns and we are grateful to the RFU for making this possible,” Sorensen said.

“To know that we are going to see the world’s two top women’s rugby teams in action for nine internationals over the next three years is really exciting.  It will be hugely beneficial for both teams as they prepare for the Women’s Rugby World Cup,” he said.

Mr Sorensen said following the re-launch of the Women’s NPC in 2011, the confirmation of the Black Ferns programme creates certainty for New Zealand’s aspiring and recognised international players; a pathway for coaches and the NZRU to prepare the team for the next World Cup; and a base on which to build the women’s game and fan base with a view to participation in the 2016 Olympic Games Sevens tournament.

“We have not only achieved a regular programme against quality opposition but we have also been able to create a fantastic touring opportunity for these teams funded in large part by the RFU which demonstrates the respect that is held for our world champions.”

Head Coach Grant Hansen said he was thrilled with the prospect of a three year schedule of Test matches against traditional arch rivals England.

“We’re incredibly proud to have taken out the Women’s RWC in four consecutive tournaments and a three-year programme definitely strengthens the planning for our next RWC campaign.

“We have some very strong and talented women out there and the unavailability of some of our 2010 Black Ferns means there will be an opportunity for new players to put themselves into the frame for selection.  These international fixtures always provide an added incentive for them to excel in their sport.

“It’s great to have John Kyle with us this year – he is a familiar face to many of the players. John has shown great loyalty to the women’s game, having been Otago Women’s Assistant Coach in 2006, then moving into the Head Coach role until this year, and he’ll be a huge asset to our campaign this year,” Hansen said.

Rosie Williams, Managing Director of the Rugby Football Union for Women, said: “We are really excited about this announcement. It is the first time that we have had a three year commitment to play New Zealand and this will do wonders from both a playing and profile perspective.

“This agreement is the icing on the cake for us. We now have regular tests against the current World Champions, as well against the USA and Canada in the Nations Cup, and of course Europe’s best in the Women’s RBS 6 Nations.”

Black Ferns 2011 – 2013 programme:

2011:              Black Ferns Travel to England for three Tests on 26 and 29 November, and 3 December

2012:              Black Ferns Travel to England for three Tests

2013:              England travels to New Zealand for three Tests

2010 Steinlager nominees announced

Posted on Nov 22, 2010 in Rugby News

A stunning year of success on the international stage will be recognised when New Zealand rugby honours its best at the 2010 Steinlager Rugby Awards.

A logjam of winning national teams and outstanding individual performances on and off the field make for an exciting list of nominees and add extra interest to the final judging decisions which will be revealed at The Langham Hotel, Auckland, on Thursday 16 December and broadcast on SKY Sport and The Rugby Channel.

In addition to the top players, referees and volunteers recognised on the night, there will be keen interest in the selection of the adidas Team of the Year from an extended field of five teams, all of which won international championships or Series in 2010.

The New Zealand Under 20 team (Junior World Champions), Black Ferns (IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup Champions), New Zealand Sevens (Delhi Commonwealth Games gold medallists), New Zealand Māori (unbeaten in Sealord New Zealand Māori Centenary Series) and All Blacks (unbeaten Steinlager Series and Investec Tri Nations Champions) could all be considered worthy of the award which will be presented by the Hon Murray McCully, Minister for Sport and Recreation.

Similarly, the New Zealand Rugby Coach of the Year will try and separate a field that includes New Zealand Māori Coach Jamie Joseph, Under 20 Coach Dave Rennie, Black Ferns Coach Brian Evans, New Zealand Sevens maestro Gordon Tietjens and All Blacks Coach Graham Henry.

The success of New Zealand’s national teams will also make the task of identifying the best Age Grade, Sevens and Women’s Players of the Year a tough assignment.

Under 20 captain Tyler Bleyendaal will be up against teammate and lock Liaki Moli, and New Zealand Schools captain and halfback TJ Perenara.

Kurt Baker, who sealed New Zealand’s come-from-behind win in the Sevens final in Delhi, will be up against fellow speedster Sherwin Stowers and Sevens veteran Lote Raikabula for the Richard Crawshaw Memorial Sevens Player of the Year Award.

And the Black Ferns’ hard-fought win over England to seal the team’s fourth IRB Women’s RWC title elevated the claims of try-scoring sensation Carla Hohepa, loose forward Justine Lavea and captain Melissa Ruscoe to the final three for the NZRU Women’s Player of the Year award.

The Centenary Year of Māori rugby and the team’s thrilling victories in the Centenary Series will be further recognised with loose forward and Māori captain Liam Messam, wing Hosea Gear, and All Blacks and Hurricanes playmaker Piri Weepu in contention for the treasured Tom French Memorial Māori Player of the Year Award.

The re-named Charles Monro Rugby Volunteer of the Year trophy will again honour the contribution volunteers make to community rugby.  The 2010 nominees are North Harbour’s Don Berry, Counties Manukau’s Ron Howard and Hilton Williams from Horowhenua-Kapiti.

The Heartland Championship Player of the Year nominees are Wanganui loose forward and Heartland XV captain Peter Rowe, North Otago back rower Josh Collier and Mid Canterbury’s rising star Tim Perry.

The nominees for the NZRU Referee of the Year Award are Bay of Plenty’s Nick Briant, Test referee Bryce Lawrence and New Zealand’s top female referee Nicky Inwood.

A compelling year of ITM Cup rugby sees Southland’s popular captain and prop Jamie Mackintosh nominated for ITM Cup Player of the Year together with Hawke’s Bay hooker Hikawera Elliot and Canterbury’s champion centre Robbie Fruean.

The Rebel Sport Super 14 Player of the Year will be decided amongst the Crusaders’ prop Owen Franks, Blues’ halfback Alby Mathewson and Crusaders’ loose forward and early-season captain Kieran Read.

A stunning year at the back of the Crusaders and All Blacks scrum also sees Read in the mix for the supreme award, the Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Player of the Year, alongside his All Blacks and Crusaders skipper, Richie McCaw, and their Super Rugby and All Blacks teammate, lock Brad Thorn.

Pam Tremain will be joined on the stage for the awarding of New Zealand’s top rugby award by the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon John Key.

The Steinlager Salver, a special presentation to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to New Zealand rugby, will also be announced and presented at the Awards function.

The judges for the 2010 Steinlager Rugby Awards are former All Blacks captain and former NZRU President Andy Leslie, NZRU Board member and former All Blacks captain Graham Mourie, SKY Sport rugby commentator Grant Nisbett and former All Black and current NZRU General Manager Community and Provincial Union Rugby Brent Anderson.

**********

The 2010 Steinlager Rugby Awards nominees

NZRU Age Grade Player of the Year

· Tyler Bleyendaal (Canterbury & New Zealand Under 20)

· Liaki Moli  (Auckland & New Zealand Under 20)

· TJ Perenara (Wellington & New Zealand Schools)

Richard Crawshaw Memorial Sevens Player of the Year

· Kurt Baker (Taranaki)

· Lote Raikabula (Manawatu)

· Sherwin Stowers (Counties Manukau)

NZRU Referee of the Year

· Nick Briant

· Nicky Inwood

· Bryce Lawrence

NZRU Women’s Player of the Year

· Carla Hohepa (Otago)

· Justine Lavea (Auckland)

· Melissa Ruscoe (Canterbury)

Charles Monro Rugby Volunteer of the Year

· Don Berry  (North Harbour)

· Ron Howard (Counties Manukau)

· Hilton Williams (Horowhenua-Kapiti)

Rebel Sport Super 14 Player of the Year

· Owen Franks (Crusaders)

· Alby Mathewson (Blues)

· Kieran Read (Crusaders)

Tom French Memorial Māori Player of the Year

· Liam Messam, Ngai Tuhoe (Waikato, Chiefs, New Zealand Māori, All Blacks)

· Hosea Gear, Ngati Porou (Wellington, Hurricanes, New Zealand Māori, All Blacks)

· Piri Weepu, Whakatohea (Wellington, Hurricanes, All Blacks)

Heartland Championship Player of the Year

· Josh Collier (North Otago)

· Tim Perry (Mid Canterbury)

· Peter Rowe (Wanganui)

ITM Cup Player of the Year

· Hikawera Elliot (Hawke’s Bay)

· Robbie Fruean (Canterbury)

· Jamie Mackintosh (Southland)

adidas Team of the Year

· All Blacks

· Black Ferns

· New Zealand Māori

· New Zealand Sevens

· New Zealand Under 20

New Zealand Rugby Coach of the Year

· Graham Henry (All Blacks)

· Jamie Joseph (New Zealand Māori)

· Dave Rennie (New Zealand Under 20 Team)

· Gordon Tietjens (New Zealand Sevens)

· Brian Evans  (Black Ferns)

Steinlager Salver for an Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand Rugby

Recipient announced on the night

Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Player of the Year

· Kieran Read (Canterbury, Crusaders, All Blacks)

· Richie McCaw (Canterbury,  Crusaders, All Blacks)

· Brad Thorn (Canterbury,  Crusaders, All Blacks)