Kiwi Ferns Team Named To Face Jillaroos At Eden Park

The trans-Tasman rivalry is reignited this Sunday, when the Kiwi Ferns take on the Jillaroos at Eden Park.

Looking to claim a win over the current Pacific Champions, Kiwi Ferns head coach Ricky Henry has named another strong side, with an abundance of continuity maintained from the gritty lineup that faced Fetu Samoa.

The only changes come in the form of Raiders centre Leianne Tufuga and Knights prop Tiana Davison, who are injected into the starting lineup. Bulldogs second rower, Shaniece Monschau, will run out in black for her debut off the bench, and multi-code international Tyla King slots in as the 18th person.

“It will be an occasion on Sunday, and we look forward to having Shaniece join our honour roll of Kiwi Ferns,” said Henry.

“This match is always a big one for us, and the Jillaroos are the ultimate challenge, but we have a lot of belief in this group, so we haven’t reinvented the wheel this week.

“We have a lot of belief and we have the opportunity to show this when we play.”

The Kiwi Ferns are particularly motivated, having last got the upper hand over the green and gold team two years ago, in 2023. True arch rivals, Australia remain the only team that has ever defeated the Kiwi Ferns in their 30-year history, so it is sure to be a grudge match this weekend.

Kiwi Ferns team to face Australia:

1. Apii Nicholls
2. Shanice Parker
3. Abigail Roache
4. Mele Hufanga
5. Leianne Tufuga
6. Patricia Maliepo
7. Raecene McGregor (co-captain)
8. Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa
9. Brooke Anderson
10. Tiana Davison
11. Annessa Biddle
12. Otesa Pule
13. Georgia Hale (co-captain)
14. Ashleigh Quinlan
15. Shaniece Monschau*
16. Alexis Tauaneai
17. Ivana Lauiti’iti
18. Tyla King

The Kiwi Ferns will kick off at Eden Park at 3.35pm, followed by the Kiwis clash with Tonga at 6.05pm. Fans will be kept entertained throughout the evening with performances from renowned artists Savage and Josh Tatofi.

*denotes debutant

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