There will be no shortage of feeling when the Kiwi Ferns host the Jillaroos on Sunday, with Australia out to avenge their first defeat since 2016 by New Zealand last year.
The Ferns proved too good in their 12-6 win in Melbourne in last's year's closing match of the women's tournament and will be out to repeat the dose in front of a sold-out crowd in Christchurch.
This year however, the Ferns will be without halfback and skipper Raecene McGregor who is getting married, but they have gained another high-quality half with Broncos five-eighth Gayle Broughton named to make her Kiwis debut as the latest dual international for the side.
This will be the opening match for the Ferns, while Australia head into the game following an imposing showing against the PNG Orchids in Week 1, with wingers Jakiya Whitfeld and Julia Robinson combining for 11 of the team's 17 tries in the 84-0 win at Suncorp Stadium.
Match: Kiwi Ferns v Jillaroos
Week 2 -
home Team
Kiwi Ferns
2nd Position
away Team
Jillaroos
1st Position
Venue: Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch
Team News
Kiwi Ferns: A late switch an hour before kick-off with Najvada George promoted to the starting side in the back row and Amber Hall going to the bench. Gayle Broughton and Alexis Tauaneai make their Ferns debuts against Australia at a sold-out Apollo Stadium in Christchurch. The Broncos five-eighth will partner with Tyla King who has been named at halfback, with last year’s captain Raecene McGregor not playing. Grand finalists Cronulla have two players featured, with Annessa Biddle to line up in the second row and Brooke Anderson at hooker. Mackenzie Wiki and Mya Hill-Moana dropped out on Saturday.
Australian Jillaroos: No further changes on game day after Jess Sergis was added to the bench on Saturday and Jessika Elliston made way as she nurses a minor quad injury. Skipper Ali Brigginshaw returns after being rested last week as a precaution after finger surgery so Tiana Penitani moves to the centres. Hooker Quincy Dodd suffered a minor quad injury in last week’s victory over the Orchids so Olivia Higgins will start in the No.9. Roosters hooker Keeley Davis is 18th player after coming into the squad as injury cover for Dodd and Lauren Brown (hamstring).
Match: Kiwi Ferns v Jillaroos
Week 2 -
home Team
Kiwi Ferns
away Team
Jillaroos
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Kiwi Ferns is number 1 Apii NichollsFullback for Jillaroos is number 1 Tamika Upton
-
Winger for Kiwi Ferns is number 2 Leianne TufugaWinger for Jillaroos is number 2 Julia Robinson
-
Centre for Kiwi Ferns is number 3 Mele HufangaCentre for Jillaroos is number 3 Isabelle Kelly
-
Centre for Kiwi Ferns is number 4 Abigail RoacheCentre for Jillaroos is number 4 Tiana Penitani
-
Winger for Kiwi Ferns is number 5 Shanice ParkerWinger for Jillaroos is number 5 Jakiya Whitfeld
-
Five-Eighth for Kiwi Ferns is number 6 Gayle BroughtonFive-Eighth for Jillaroos is number 6 Ali Brigginshaw
-
Halfback for Kiwi Ferns is number 7 Tyla KingHalfback for Jillaroos is number 7 Tarryn Aiken
Forwards
-
Prop for Kiwi Ferns is number 8 Brianna ClarkProp for Jillaroos is number 8 Millie Elliott
-
Hooker for Kiwi Ferns is number 9 Brooke AndersonHooker for Jillaroos is number 9 Olivia Higgins
-
Prop for Kiwi Ferns is number 10 Angelina Teakaraanga-KatoaProp for Jillaroos is number 10 Shannon Mato
-
2nd Row for Kiwi Ferns is number 11 Annessa Biddle2nd Row for Jillaroos is number 11 Kezie Apps
-
2nd Row for Kiwi Ferns is number 15 Najvada George2nd Row for Jillaroos is number 12 Yasmin Clydsdale
-
Lock for Kiwi Ferns is number 13 Georgia HaleLock for Jillaroos is number 13 Simaima Taufa
Interchange
-
Interchange for Kiwi Ferns is number 12 Amber HallInterchange for Jillaroos is number 15 Sarah Togatuki
-
Interchange for Kiwi Ferns is number 14 Ashleigh QuinlanInterchange for Jillaroos is number 16 Keilee Joseph
-
Interchange for Kiwi Ferns is number 16 Alexis TauaneaiInterchange for Jillaroos is number 17 Mahalia Murphy
-
Interchange for Kiwi Ferns is number 17 Tiana DavisonInterchange for Jillaroos is number 18 Jessica Sergis
Reserves
-
Replacement for Kiwi Ferns is number 18 Otesa PuleReplacement for Jillaroos is number 20 Keeley Davis
Match Officials
- Referee: Liam Kennedy
- Touch Judge: Jon Stone
- Senior Review Official: Todd Smith
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Kiwi Ferns have won only one of their past eight Tests against the Jillaroos.
- Jillaroos winger Julia Robinson has scored 14 tries in seven Tests.
- Centre Mele Hufanga has scored six tries in seven Tests for the Kiwi Ferns.
- Jillaroos centre Isabelle Kelly will make her 15th Test appearance.
- The Kiwi Ferns have won six of their past seven Tests on home soil.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
