There are a number of changes to the Black Ferns team for the second O'Reilly Cup game against Australia this weekend with two players set to make their debuts.
Grace Steinmetz Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Canterbury's Grace Steinmetz will start at fullback in her first test, while Bay of Plenty prop Santo Taumata will come off the bench.
There are seven other changes from the side who won the first game in Christchurch 52-5.
Hooker Luka Connor, prop Amy Rule, lock Maiakawanakaulani Roos, loosie Kendra Reynolds, halfback Ariana Bayler and centres Chelsea Semple and Sylvia Brunt all come into the starting fifteen.
Theresa Fitzpatrick and Tyla Nathan-Wong have returned to the Black Ferns Sevens programme as they build for the Rugby World Cup Sevens early next month.
Black Ferns director of rugby Wayne Smith said while the result last week was strong on the scoreboard, the coaches and players were aligned on what needed to be worked on this week.
"I felt we played well; we saw an improvement in our forward play and our defence but our skill execution was poor," Smith said.
"We are wanting to play a fast, attacking game on top of the opposition which requires a specific skillset, so its area that requires more effort."
While injury and illness had plagued Steinmetz's year to date, Smith said they were looking forward to seeing her get her shot.
"Grace is very good defensively, she has good footwork and is good at getting that final pass away. Clearly we know she can play on the wing but we want to see how she goes at fullback."
Wayne Smith Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Speaking on Santo Taumata, the former Te Puke High School student, Smith believed Saturday would be the start of big things.
"For a 19-year-old, she is phenomenal. Santo is immensely strong, she's a good scrumager and is very quick off the ground. We might just see the birth of a star."
The Black Ferns will be looking for a strong performance, before they meet Australia again on the opening day of Rugby World Cup at Eden Park in October.
The team will face Australia in the second Test in Adelaide this Saturday.
1. Pip Love (18)
2. Luka Connor (7)
3. Amy Rule (6)
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (6)
5. Joanah Ngan Woo (9)
6. Alana Bremner (7)
7. Kendra Reynolds (4)
8. Kennedy Simon (9) - co-captain
9. Ariana Bayler (4)
10. Ruahei Demant (19) - co-captain
11. Ayesha Leti-I'iga (16)
12. Chelsea Semple (28)
13. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt (3)
14. Ruby Tui (3)
15. Grace Steinmetz - debut
16. Natalie Delamare (1)
17. Krystal Murray (3)
18. Santo Taumata - debut
19. Chelsea Bremner (4)
20. Charmaine McMenamin (26)
21. Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu (8)
22. Renee Holmes (4)
23. Hazel Tubic (15)
