Wiki, Talataina to debut for Kiwi Ferns against Orchids

Mackenzie Wiki is set to follow in the footsteps of her famous father Ruben, New Zealand's most capped international, when she makes her Kiwi Ferns debut on Sunday in Papua New Guinea.

Wiki, who plays for the Raiders alongside Apii Nichols, Ash Quinlan and Cheyelle Robins-Reti, has been named on the wing as one of three new faces from the team which was beaten14-0 by the Jillaroos in Christchurch last Sunday.

Wests Tigers utility Brooke Talataina will also make her Test debut for New Zealand from the interchange bench, alongside Sydney Roosters forward Otesa Pule, who replaces premiership-winning team-mate Tiana Davidson.

Star second-rower Anessa Biddle, who was a member of the Sharks team beaten by the Roosters in the grand final, and fullback Apii Nicholls are the other players rested after playing in Christchurch.

Roosters forward Amber Hall takes Biddle's spot in the second row, while Dragons teenager Alexis Tauaneai moves from the bench to the front row in a swap with NRLW team-mate Angelina Teakaraanga Katoa. 

Wiki, who represented Cook Islands at the last World Cup in 2022, takes the wing spot of Shanice Parker, who moves to fullback with Nicholls rested.

She will don the black-and-white jersey for the first time, joining father Ruben - an NRL Hallof Famer and 55-Test Kiwi - as a New Zealand international.

Known for her powerful runs and fierce commitment, McKenzie is ready to continue her family’s legacy on the field.

With a place in the Pacific Championships final on the line, the Kiwi Ferns are sharpening their strategies following their gutsy defensive display against the Jillaroos.

This week, the Ricky Henry-coached team are focused on refining attacking combinations and timing against the Orchids.

Snapshot

Pacific Cup (women)

• The Jillaroos have secured a place in the final at CommBank Stadium on November 10 with their win over New Zealand.
• The winner of next Sunday's match between the Orchids and Kiwi Ferns in Port Moresby will play Australia in the final.
• The loser faces the winner of next Saturday's World Cup qualifying final between Fiji and Samoa in a promotion-relegation play-off at CommBank Stadium on November 10 to retain their place in next year's Pacific Cup.

Kiwi Ferns v PNG Orchids

Shanice Parker
Mackenzie Wiki*
Mele Hufanaga
Abigail Roache
Leianne Tufuga
Gayle Broughton
Tyla King
Brianna Clark
Brooke Anderson
Alexis Tauaneai
Najvada George
Amber Hall
Georgia Hale
Ashleigh Quinlan
Otesa Pule
Brooke Talataina*
Angelina Teakaraanga Katoa
18th player: Cheyelle Robins-Reti

*Denotes debut