Rugby: Two new caps in Black Ferns for O'Reilly Cup return encounter against Australia

Hooker Atlanta Lolohea and loose forward Mia Anderson have been added to the Black Ferns as new caps for the O'Reilly Cup return match against Australia this month.

The world champion NZ women have already secured the annual trans-Tasman series with their 67-19 win at North Harbour in May, but the second encounter takes on added importance, as a build-up towards a test against archrivals England at Twickenham and the WXV1 tournament that follows.

Injuries have struck the existing squad, notably co-captain Kennedy Simon ruled out with an ankle niggle. Lock Chelsea Bremner, loose forward Lucy Jenkins and prop Phillipa Love have also been added to cover injuries.

"We wanted to see consistency within our squad to prepare to face Australia, but also wanted to ensure those who missed out on the Pacific Four Series had their opportunity to put their best foot forward," said rugby director Allan Bunting.

"We have a few injuries, but we have a competitive group of wāhine, who are eager to step up and take ownership of the chance they are given."

Props: Aldora Itunu, Tanya Kalounivale, Phillipa Love, Amy Rule, Chryss Viliko

Hookers: Luka Connor, Atlanta Lolohea, Georgia Ponsonby

Locks: Alana Bremner, Chelsea Bremner, Maama Mo'onia Vaipulu, Maiakawanakaulani Roos

Loose forwards: Mia Anderson, Lucy Jenkins, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Layla Sae

Halfbacks: Iritana Hohaia, Maia Joseph

First five-eighths: Ruahei Demant, Hannah King

Midfield: Logo-i-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt, Amy du Plessis, Grace Steinmetz,
Monica Tagoai

Outside backs: Renee Holmes, Patricia Maliepo, Mererangi Paul, Ruby Tui, Katelyn Vahakoolo,

Hooker Atlanta Lolohea and loose forward Mia Anderson have been added to the Black Ferns as new caps for the O'Reilly Cup return match against Australia this month.

The world champion NZ women have already secured the annual trans-Tasman series with their 67-19 win at North Harbour in May, but the second encounter takes on added importance, as a build-up towards a test against archrivals England at Twickenham and the WXV1 tournament that follows.

Injuries have struck the existing squad, notably co-captain Kennedy Simon ruled out with an ankle niggle. Lock Chelsea Bremner, loose forward Lucy Jenkins and prop Phillipa Love have also been added to cover injuries.

"We wanted to see consistency within our squad to prepare to face Australia, but also wanted to ensure those who missed out on the Pacific Four Series had their opportunity to put their best foot forward," said rugby director Allan Bunting.

"We have a few injuries, but we have a competitive group of wāhine, who are eager to step up and take ownership of the chance they are given."

Props: Aldora Itunu, Tanya Kalounivale, Phillipa Love, Amy Rule, Chryss Viliko

Hookers: Luka Connor, Atlanta Lolohea, Georgia Ponsonby

Locks: Alana Bremner, Chelsea Bremner, Maama Mo'onia Vaipulu, Maiakawanakaulani Roos

Loose forwards: Mia Anderson, Lucy Jenkins, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Layla Sae

Halfbacks: Iritana Hohaia, Maia Joseph

First five-eighths: Ruahei Demant, Hannah King

Midfield: Logo-i-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt, Amy du Plessis, Grace Steinmetz,
Monica Tagoai

Outside backs: Renee Holmes, Patricia Maliepo, Mererangi Paul, Ruby Tui, Katelyn Vahakoolo,

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