Ruby Tui Given Final Shot At World Cup Squad In Crucial Black Ferns Trial
Ruby Tui Given Final Shot At World Cup Squad In Crucial Black Ferns Trial
Ruby Tui gets one last chance at Rugby World Cup selection in Black Ferns trial vs. Black Ferns XV this Saturday in Whangārei. Stream it live on FloRugby.
Ruby Tui has one final chance to force her way back into Rugby World Cup contention when she lines up for the Black Ferns XV against the Black Ferns in a high-stakes trial match this Saturday in Whangārei.
Tui, one of New Zealand’s most popular rugby stars, has been absent from the last two national squads and now faces a do-or-die performance in her bid to return to the elite level.
The 32-year-old winger will start on the right wing for the Black Ferns XV, directly opposing two of the game’s most lethal finishers—Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and Katelyn Vahaakolo, who combined for 11 tries in the team’s rout of the United States in May.
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With the Rugby World Cup kicking off Aug. 24 in England, Saturday’s match serves as a final audition for players on the fringe of head coach Allan Bunting’s plans.
“This is a one-game opportunity for Ruby, and she’ll know she needs to make it count,” Bunting said earlier in the week. “The door’s not closed, but performances matter.”
Adding intrigue to the lineup, veteran Kelly Brazier will start at fly-half for the test team, signaling a potential return to the World Cup stage.
Brazier, 35, last played for the Black Ferns in 2021 and was only a reserve during the Pacific Four Series. Her selection over rising playmaker Hannah King hints at a possible role backing up co-captain Ruahei Demant in England.
Demant headlines a 15-strong bench that also includes star winger Ayesha Leti-I’iga and halfback Iritana Hohaia, both released to play for the Black Ferns XV. Uncapped lock Laura Bayfield also gets her chance to impress.
Tui isn’t the only one with World Cup hopes on the line.
Fellow test players Luka Connor, Krystal Murray and Marcelle Parkes all are suiting up for the Black Ferns XV and looking to make their cases.
At halfback, Bunting will get another look at sevens standout Risaleaana Pouri-Lane, who is expected to come off the bench after impressing on debut against the United States.
Saturday’s trial is the first of two critical fixtures for the Black Ferns before the final squad is named on July 25.
Next up is a trans-Tasman clash against Australia on July 12 in Wellington, part of a doubleheader with the All Blacks.
The Black Ferns will open their World Cup campaign against Spain in York.
Fans in the United States can stream both matches on FloRugby and the FloSports app.
The July 4 trial kicks off at 9:05 p.m. ET, with the Australia test following at 12:30 p.m. ET on July 12.
Black Ferns Roster
Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Stacey Waaka, Logo-i-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i (Sylvia) Brunt, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Kelly Brazier, Maia Joseph, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Layla Sae, Mia Anderson, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Alana Bremner (co-capt), Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Atlanta Lolohea, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu.
Replacements: Kate Henwood, Vici-Rose Green, Tanya Kalounivale, Chelsea Bremner, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Jorja Miller, Risaleaana Pouri-Lane, Ruahei Demant (co-capt), Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Theresa Setefano, Amy du Plessis, Renee Holmes, Chryss Viliko, Georgia Ponsonby, Amy Rule.
Black Ferns XV Roster
Kaea Nepia, Ruby Tui, Kelsey Teneti, Hollyrae Mete-Renata, Jaymie Kolose, Hannah King, Iritana Hohaia, Taufa Bason, Elinor-Plum King, Holly Greenway (capt), Sam Taylor, Laura Bayfield, Ashley Palu, Luka Connor, Krystal Murray.
Replacements: Grace Leaso Gago, Jordy Tihore, Marcelle Parkes, Maddi Robinson, Harono Te Iringa, Cheyenne Tuli-Fale, Lucy Jenkins, Fiaali’i Solomona, Reese Anderson, Keira Su’a-Smith, Justine McGregor, Winnie Palamo, Tara Turner.
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