Black Ferns squad excludes Tui for Pacific Four Series tournament
Rewritten Article:
With World Cup Defense in Sight, Black Ferns' Selection Gets Intense
Ruby Tui, a key contributor in New Zealand's World Cup victory in 2022, has been left out of the Black Ferns squad for the Pacific Four Series, a crucial step in their preparations for the Women's World Cup title defense in England later this year.
It seems Tui might have lost her spot to Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, a two-time World Player of the Year, who made a comeback last month.
Other veterans like Renee Holmes and Chelsea Bremner also didn't make the cut for the 33-woman squad to face Australia, Canada, and the United States in consecutive weekends from May 10.
Allan Bunting, the coach, acknowledged the tough decisions that had to be made, stating, "We're in a tight race leading up to our World Cup campaign. The players' response and attitude have been impressive." He added that the entire group is important on this journey, emphasizing that there's still some distance to go before the World Cup squad is announced.
Three uncapped players, including the young fullback Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (powerhouse prop), and Vici-Rose Green (hooker), have been included in the squad. Sevens players Theresa Setefano, Dhys Faleafaga, Jorja Miller, Stacey Waaka, and Risaleaana Pouri-Lane have also been summoned. However, Pouri-Lane and Waaka won't be available for the Australia test due to the LA Sevens tournament.
Bunting pointed out that building a solid group of 40 plus players who share a common vision and playing style is vital for the World Cup. New Zealand currently rank third worldwide, behind England and Canada. They face a formidable task to claim their seventh World Cup victory in August and September.
Tui's exclusion from the squad appears strategic as selectors prioritize consistency in recent performances, emerging talents, and squad depth. While Tui, Holmes, and Bremner may still have a chance for World Cup selection, their absence leaves a void in terms of leadership and experience. The inclusion of new talent like Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Green, and Sorensen-McGee reflects a focus on developing the future, but their inexperience might pose challenges in critical moments. Sevens players like Miller and Waaka add speed and adaptability, potentially compensating for Tui's loss, although their availability overlaps with the LA Sevens tournament.
The decision to omit Tui underscores the Black Ferns' challenge of balancing experience and new blood. As the World Cup selection still seems open, Tui's omission could either foster competition and enhance team performance or reveal vulnerabilities if the newer players struggle to fill her big-game shoes.
[1] World Rugby - Women's Rankings[2] Stuff - All Blacks legend Nehe Milner-Skudder signs with South African side[3] TVNZ - Top 10 Black Ferns of All Time[4] Newshub - Black Ferns announce Pacific Four Series squad for May tests
- Allan Bunting, impressed by the impressive response and attitude of the players, considers the 33-player squad, which includes Sevens players like Theresa Setefano, as critical in building a cohesive group ahead of the World Cup defense in England later this year.
- The exclusion of experienced players like Ruby Tui, Renee Holmes, and Chelsea Bremner from the Black Ferns squad for the Pacific Four Series sets the stage for new talents such as Vici-Rose Green, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, and Braxton Sorensen-McGee to showcase their abilities, adding depth to the team and reflecting a focus on developing the future.
- Sevens players like Jorja Miller and Stacey Waaka, although unavailable for the Australia test due to the LA Sevens tournament, add speed and adaptability to the Black Ferns squad, potentially compensating for the loss of winger Ruby Tui's contributions.
