Black Ferns make changes for Wales

A number of changes have been made to the Black Ferns team to play their third game at the women's World Rugby Cup in England early Sunday morning (NZ time).

Fresh from victories over South Africa and Australia, Black Ferns Coach Brian Evans and his assistant Coach Grant Hansen have handed four players their tournament starts against Wales.

Auckland hooker Karina Penetito and her provincial teammate centre Trish Hina, along with halfback Kendra Cocksedge and utility back Halie Hurring, both from Canterbury, are moved into the starting team.

Auckland winger Victoria Grant has been named captain in place of Melissa Ruscoe, who will start off the bench.

Auckland winger Renee Wickcliffe was unavailable for selection due to a calf injury.

Evans said he was pleased with the team's performance against an aggressive and determined Australian side. The Black Ferns won the match 32-5.

''We had some great individual performances and tactically played very well, but collectively we made some errors and lacked ball security at times which we need to work on.

''We are lucky enough to have the depth of a strong squad which allows players to recover sufficiently from previous matches while giving others the opportunity to put their hand up for starting positions.''

Wales have lost both of their opening pool matches – 12-26 against Australia and 10-15 against South Africa.

BLACK FERNS: 15 Kelly Brazier, 14 Halie Hurring, 13 Huriana Manuel, 12 Trish Hina, 11 Victoria Grant (captain), 10 Rebecca Mahoney, 9 Kendra Cocksedge, 8 Linda Itunu, 7 Joan Sione, 6 Casey Robertson, 5 Vita Robinson 4 Monalisa Codling, 3 Doris Taufateau, 2 Karina Penetito, 1 Ruth McKay. Reserves: 16 Fiao'o Faamausili, 17 Steph Te Ohaere-Fox, 18 Melissa Ruscoe,
19 Aroha Savage, 20 Emma Jensen, 21 Anna Richards, 22 Carla Hohepa.

- © Fairfax NZ News