The Black Ferns will take on the Wallaroos on Sunday for their second O’Reilly cup matchup for the year.
After defeating Australia in their first match two months ago, the Black Ferns are hoping for a repeat as they go head to head in Brisbane.
The cup is named after the first ever Black Ferns coach Laurie O’Reilly and the match is even more significant for the Ferns knowing how much of an impact he had in growing women’s rugby in New Zealand and Australia.
For Ferns lock Maiakawanakaulani Roos, being able to play to honour Laurie is a special moment for the group as a whole.
“Yesterday we had Lauren O’Reilly, who is Laurie’s daughter, come through and spoke to us about her dad and his work in the past,” Maia says.
“Obviously he has such a great legacy with the Black Ferns and basically has been influential for growing women’s rugby in New Zealand. We can’t wait to play on the weekend for him and his legacy.”
The Ferns head into the match coming off a shaky Pacific Four Series where they suffered their first ever loss to Canada.
That match was a wake up call for the team as they hope to work on key areas in their game and look to polish up in the physical areas.
For Maia, her main focus is to improve in her efforts and what she can provide for her team.
“Just be lower in my body height when doing carries just so that I can be stronger and do my part in the middle of the field to free up space for those around me. My defence is one of my superpowers so if I can enhance that then that sets me apart as a player.
“We’ve got everyone competing for spots and it’s a great environment to be in. You don’t really quite know what Australia will bring so (I’m) excited for what they can bring come Sunday.”
Hoping to bolster the Ferns is the inclusion of Matatu hooker Atlanta Lolohea who is in line for her test debut.
The 21 year old has excelled not only in the Super Rugby Aupiki competition but has also delivered in her performances for the Black Ferns XV side.
Teammate and lock Chelse Bremner believes that Lolohea is well deserving of her callup..
“At that age she has come so far already. Atlanta already has developed through the ages with the Canterbury rugby scene and is incredible through both attack and defence. One of the best in her position in terms of upcoming talent,” Bremner says.
“There’s a big amount of depth in our squad and really competitive in the environment.”
Black Ferns (1-15): Chryss Viliko, Georgia Ponsonby, Tanya Kalounivale, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Alana Bremner, Liana Mikaele Tu’u, Layla Sae, Maia Joseph, Hannah King, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Ruahei Demant (c), Sylvia Brunt, Ruby Tui, Renee Holmes.
Reserves: Atlanta Lolohea, Pip Love, Amy Rule, Chelsea Bremner, Lucy Jenkins, Iritana Hohaia, Monica Tagoai, Mererangi Paul.
