England Red Roses v Black Ferns
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Team line-up for the Black Ferns' 100th test:
MILESTONE TEST MATCH It’s been well documented that this is a momentous occasion for the Black Ferns on Sunday. It’s their 100th Test match. The first sanctioned Black Ferns Test match was played in 1991 at a World Cup in in Glamorgan, Wales. They defeated Canada 24-8 and have since gone onto have a remarkable winning percentage. Having won 86 of their 99 Tests to date, they have a winning percentage of 86.9% and with five World Cup titles under their belt, they are the most successful rugby team in the World. LONG TIME COMING Another point that has been well documented is that this will be the first Test match the Black Ferns have played in over two years. Their last Test was against Australia at Eden Park in August 2019. They’ve played in-house matches and games against the New Zealand Barbarian side, but nothing compares to a Test match and this weekend is massive. It doesn’t get much bigger than playing age-old rivals England on their own backyard. England have had a lot more game time over the last 12 to 18 months, having played in the Six Nations, but the Black Ferns won’t be using any excuses as they prepare for this clash. They’ve wanted to play the best opposition in the world ahead of next year’s World Cup in New Zealand, and that’s what they are getting. DEBUTANTS A whopping nine players will make their Black Ferns debut at Exeter’s Sandy Park. Kelsie Wills, Alana Bremner and Sevens star Dhys Faleafaga in the forwards and set to come off the pine in their first Test will be Grace Houpapa-Barrett, Krystal Murray, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Ariana Bayler, Patricia Maliepo and Renee Holmes. Some incredibly exciting young talent set to be unleashed on the world stage.https://www.allblacks.com/news/100th-test-preview-black-ferns-v-england/
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@machpants Yeah, I expect a loss, too, and they'll be lucky to win one of their four matches on tour, but it's not about now and it's all about preparation for next year's World Cup.
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@stargazer said in England Red Roses v Black Ferns:
@machpants Yeah, I expect a loss, too, and they'll be lucky to win one of their four matches on tour, but it's not about now and it's all about preparation for next year's World Cup.
Sure but we really they'll be struggling to win that, hopefully home town advantage will see them through! Tho previously they have achieved so much with so little, but like previously with 7s other countries have moved forward and we're still relying on the old ways. NZ 7s have finally got back into it, and women's rugby will be improved next year's super. But it's too late for our home world cup imo.
Hope I'm wrong
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I think that Moore will mix and match his team selections with a view of maybe playing the strongest team in the last test against France.
I would be confident that the Black Fern backs are more athletic/skilled than their English and French opponents, it's just whether the forwards can gain parity and provide enough quality ball.
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@bovidae Yeah. Not having played a test match for two years, makes the BFs a bit of an unknown for everyone. Most people would expect the English to be too strong because they've played 6 Nations and won the tournament this year. The French were close though. So there are high expcetations of both the English & French, but we simply don't know how good the BFs are at the moment. Can't wait to find out!
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Media release: https://www.englandrugby.com/news/article/autumn-international-rugby-red-roses-name-team-to-play-black-ferns
By the way, if you're wondering why one of their best players, Emily Scarrett, isn't in the squad, it's because she broke her leg while playing for her club and required surgery.
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@stargazer said in England Red Roses v Black Ferns:
Media release: https://www.englandrugby.com/news/article/autumn-international-rugby-red-roses-name-team-to-play-black-ferns
By the way, if you're wondering why one of their best players, Emily Scarrett, isn't in the squad, it's because she broke her leg while playing for her club and required surgery.
Hmmmm, that loosehead prop looks tasty.
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This post is deleted!
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All action
Great watch
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Great try England
