Ferns regroup under new coach

Ferns regroup under new coach

Incoming NZ Kiwi Ferns coach Alan Jackson will be missing several veteran performers, when he leads the national women’s side for the first time into the Anzac Test curtainraiser against Australia next month.

A squad of 24 has been named for the fixture and Jackson will look to stamp his mark at this weekend’s camp in Auckland.

But he’ll have to cope without the services of dual internationals Honey Hireme and Charlotte Scanlan, on duty with the NZ rugby sevens programme, and incumbent captain Sarina Fiso, who injured her knee in the final game at the NRL Auckland Nines.

Fiso has been included in the group for her experience, but is unlikely to take the field.

Also missing from the line-up that defeated world champions Australia in Wollongong last year are Aussie-based Chloe Leaupepe and Chanel Huddleston, who was also part of the successful nines campaign.

Meanwhile, Jackson and assistant Bejay Hewitt will be supported by new manager Anita Smith-McKinnon of Auckland, physio Skye Renes and trainer Junior Mautairi.

The Kiwi Ferns Anzac Test squad is:

Katarina Allen (Akarana), Shontelle Dudley (Upper Central), Maitua Feterika (Counties Manukau), Sarina Fiso (Counties Manukau), Teuila Fotu-Moala (Counties Manukau), Georgia Hale (Akarana), Iriana Huriwai-Sasulu (Counties Manukau), Sita Kuruyabaki (Mid Central), Nora Maaka (Counties Manukau), Kelly Maipi (Counties Manukau), Laura Mariu (Counties Manukau), Lilietta Maumau (Akarana), Krystal Murray (Mid Central), Kimiora Nati (Counties Manukau), Hilda Peters (Counties Manukau), Rona Peters (Counties Manukau), Kahurangi Peters (Counties Manukau), Krystal Rota (Counties Manukau), Kristina Sue (Mid Central), Tasha Tapu (Akarana), Crystal George-Tamarua (Akarana), Atawhai Tupaea (Counties Manukau), Janna Vaughan (Mid Central), Sharnita Woodman (Counties Manukau)

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