Black Ferns highlight impressive side to take on Wellington in FPC round 1
The Canterbury team to represent the region in the opening clash of the Farah Palmer Cup season has been named, with all nine of Canterbury’s current Black Ferns set to feature at Jerry Collins Stadium against Wellington on Saturday.
An all Black Ferns front-row provides the highlight of the Round 1 team, with Phillipa Love, Georgia Ponsonby and Amy Rule set to pack down at the front of a strong forward pack.
Elsewhere in the forwards, captain Alana Bremner is joined in the loose forward trio by Lucy Jenkins, last years’ Women’s Player of the Year and No. 8 Marcelle Parkes, while Chelsea Bremner will be joined in the second row by Emma Dermody, building on a partnership that started in club rugby with Lincoln University.
In the backs, Kendra Cocksedge will start in game number 95 for the star halfback, while Rosie Kelly gets an opportunity to start at first five, showcasing the impressive versatility the utility back has, with first five Terauoriwa Gapper currently sidelined with injury.
The midfield pairing of Black Ferns Amy Du Plessis and Grace Steinmetz will provide excitement for the Wellington crowd, with Isabella Waterman playing in her capping game, her twelfth appearance for Canterbury, Martha Mataele and debutant Naia Toaolamai-Holden providing both speed and flair across the outside backs
Four substitutes will have the opportunity to wear the red and black for the first time, with Atlanta Lolohea and Hannah King set for their FPC debut, as well as Greer Muir and Karla Wright-Akeli in line for their first appearances for Canterbury. Centurion Steph Te Ohaere-Fox, Black Fern Lucy Anderson, Stacey Niao and Dianne Hiini round out the side that Head Coach Blair Baxter is excited to see out on the park.
“Having the ability to name a strong side for our opening fixture is really exciting. We have a great blend of promising new faces and experienced members to showcase the brand of rugby we are looking to play this season,” said Baxter.
“The support from our Black Ferns to prepare our squad and aid the transition from club rugby to FPC has been amazing. The energy & enthusiasm to represent Canterbury for the 1st time in 2022 is creating a fun week!”
The Round 1 match kicks off at 12:05pm on Saturday the 16th, with entry free to Jerry Collins Stadium in Porirua.
Team to play Wellington:
Phillipa Love
Georgia Ponsonby
Amy Rule
Emma Dermody
Chelsea Bremner
Alana Bremner (c)
Lucy Jenkins
Marcelle Parkes
Kendra Cocksedge
Rosie Kelly
Naia Toaolamai - Holden **
Amy Du Plessis
Grace Steinmetz
Martha Mataele
Isabella Waterman
Stephanie Te Ohaere Fox
Atlanta Lolohea**
Lucy Anderson
Stacey Niao
Greer Muir*
Dianne Hiini
Hannah King**
Karla Wright – Akeli*
* denotes potential Canterbury debut
** denotes Canterbury and FPC debut