BLACK FERNS coach Glenn Moore has named five rookies in his squad to play Australia’s Wallaroos in the Laurie O’Reilly Memorial Trophy Test in Sydney on Saturday.

Two of the debutants are in New Zealand’s starting lineup — Auckland five-eighth Ruahei Demant and sevens winger Alena Saili.

The world champion Kiwi squad does not include star trio Portia Woodman, Kelly Brazier and Sarah Goss, who have chosen to rest after winning the sevens World Cup in San Francisco last month.

Brazier’s unavailability allows Demant, 23, to direct traffic after fighting her way back from serious injuries in recent years.

“Ruahei never gave up on her rugby dream and worked her way back from knee surgeries,” Moore said.

“She’s a very experienced player at both club and Farah Palmer Cup level.


“She’s a strong kicker, well organised and works well with (halfback) Kendra (Cocksedge).”

The other three rookies are on the bench — utility back Krysten Cottrell (Hawke’s Bay) and front rowers Cristo Tofa (North Harbour) and Leilani Perese (Counties Manukau).

“We’ve named five debutants in the team for Saturday, but the amount of rugby experience they all have is significant,” Moore said.

“The combination of the experienced Test match players and these talented new players makes this team an exciting mix.

“Cristo was selected for North Harbour’s FPC side last year and has gone from strength to strength.

“She can play in multiple positions in the team and is a really experienced rugby player.

“Leilani is a very strong ball carrier and can play on both sides of the scrum.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the impact she will make.”

The Black Ferns’ most capped player — veteran hooker Fiao’o Faamausili — will captain the team which tuned up for the Test with a ‘Game of Three Halves’ trial against Bay of Plenty and Auckland.

“We’ve had the luxury of more preparation time which has given us the opportunity to gel as a team, test a few things, and make sure everyone is the best physical and mental state they can be in,” Moore said.

“The players are really enjoying being with each other and we’re really humming.

“It’s been more than a year since we’ve played Australia and we can’t wait to get out there.”

The second Test is at Auckland’s Eden Park on August 25.

BLACK FERNS (15-1): Selica Winiata, Renee Wickliffe, Stacey Waaka, Theresa Fitzpatrick, Alena Saili, Ruahei Demant, Kendra Cocksedge, Aroha Savage, Les Elder, Charmaine McMenamin, Charmaine Smith, Eloise Blackwell, Aldora Itunu, Fiao’o Faamausili (c), Phillipa Love

Reserves: Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate, Cristo Tofa, Leilani Perese, Jackie Patea-Fereti, Linda Itunu, Kristina Sue, Krysten Cottrell, Chelsea Alley

Venue: ANZ Stadium, Sydney

Kickoff: Saturday, 5.15pm AEST