Black Ferns players perform a haka to celebrate winning the final World Cup final against England at Eden Park. Photo: photosport
A logjam of outside back options are a feature of the 49-player Black Ferns squad announced by coach Alan Bunting in his first tangible step of the year towards the World Cup.
Bunting has named 13 players with no test experience - including breakout Blues fullback Braxton Sorenson-McGee - in the large group who will attend a four-day training camp starting in Wellington on Sunday.
They'll need to impress, with a smaller squad then named on Thursday next week to contest the Pacific Four Series test matches in May against Australia, Canada and the United States.
New Zealand's Jorja Miller (R) is consoled by Stacey Waaka during their quarter-final against Australia at the Perth leg of the sevens world series. Photo: Photosport
Bunting has a host of backline talent to choose from in particular given the availability of seven players contracted to the Black Ferns Sevens, including stars Jorja Miller, Risaleaana Pouri-Lane, Theresa Setefano and Stacey Waaka.
Also back in the frame is veteran great Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, who announced on Monday she had come out of retirement to take a short-term NZ Rugby contract, making her available for the World Cup starting in England in late August.
At the other end of the experience scale is 18-year-old Sorenson-McGee, who starred for the Blues Women with her speed in their defence of the Super Rugby Aupiki title and subsequent defeat of the Waratahs in the trans-Tasman Super Rugby Champions final.
There are two notable absentees, who were both on New Zealand's tour of the northern hemisphere at the end of last year.
Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz
Seasoned prop Pip Love is omitted while her Matatū team-mate Lucy Jenkins is also missing, with the blindside flanker having suffered an ankle injury late in what had been a strong campaign for the South Island team in Super Rugby Aupiki.
Bunting said there was serious competition for places in his initial squad.
"The decisions have come from a combination of previous Black Ferns experience and outstanding performances across Super Rugby Aupiki in their respective teams," Bunting said.
"We are looking forward to bringing this very talented group together. It is important for us to build connections and lay down the foundations.
"It is great to have experienced and new talent... we are excited to get going on the first part of our World Cup journey. We believe this group of wāhine toa can really go to the next level."
Allan Bunting is tipped to take over from Glenn Moore as the Black Ferns XV's coach. Photo: Photosport
Bunting confirmed Black Ferns sevens players Waaka, Miller and Pouri-Lane will join the Black Ferns after next week's final round of the sevens world series in Los Angeles.
Black Ferns training camp squad:
Blues Women - Taufa Bason, Sylvia Brunt, Ruahei Demant, Jaymie Kolose, Atlanta Lolohea, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Tara Turner, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Maama Mo'onia Vaipulu, Chryss Viliko, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe
Chiefs Manawa - Mia Anderson, Ariana Bayler, Kelly Brazier, Luka Connor, Vici-Rose Green, Kate Henwood, Renee Holmes, Tanya Kalounivale, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Krystal Murray, Mererangi Paul, Santo Taumata, Ruby Tui, Kennedy Tukuafu
Hurricanes Poua - Iritana Hohaia, Ayesha Leti-I'iga, Layla Sae
Matatū - Laura Bayfield, Chelsea Bremner, Alana Bremner, Amy du Plessis, Maia Joseph, Hannah King, Holly-Rae Mete, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Marcelle Parkes, Georgia Ponsonby, Amy Rule
Black Ferns Sevens - Dhys Faleafaga, Jorja Miller, Risaleaana Pouri-Lane, Alena Saili, Theresa Setefano, Kelsey Teneti, Stacey Waaka
