Black Ferns Return for Pride Semi Final Clash with Canterbury

The Wellington Pride head south today, as they prepare to take on the undefeated Canterbury Women on Sunday in the Farah Palmer Cup Semi-Final. 

Wellington Pride Head Coach Zak Feaunati has made minimal changes to his side that fell short of upsetting Auckland last week, 26 – 25. 

The front row remains unchanged – Norths pairing Angel Mulu and Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate are joined by Oriental Rongotai's Raylene Lolo at tighthead. 

Black Fern Joanah Ngan-Woo returns at lock, partnering captain Jackie Patea-Fereti. The loose trio remains unchanged – Maddie Feaunati starts at six, Sinead Ryder at seven and Manu Sina backrower, Nina Foaese at number 8. 

Petone’s Milly Mackey makes her second start of the season since returning from injury, and Thamsyn Newton partners her at first-five-eighth. Monica Tagoai and her Hurricanes Poua teammate, Teilah Ferguson make up the midfield. 

Bernadette Robertson shifts from left to right wing, making way for the return of finisher Ayesha Leti-I’iga on the left. Julie Tusa shifts to fullback. 

Looking to add impact from the bench – the Manu Sina pairing of Paige Misky and Angelica Uila are joined by Oneata Schwalger in the front row reserves. Te Amohaere Ngata-Aerengamate and Hosanna Aumua cover the locks and loosies.  

Ana Afuie, Cheyne Copeland and Ivana Samani provide cover in the backs. 

“We know the massive challenge ahead this weekend. Last weekend was disappointing not to go away with the win, but we got some good learnings from that game and hopefully this weekend we can push forward. The girls are excited, and we have trained well as a squad this week. It’s finals rugby and it’s all about embracing the occasion,” said Feaunati. 

Wellington Pride take on Canterbury (Semi-final) 11:35am on Sunday, 4 September at Orangetheory Stadium. The game will be live on Sky Sport 1 and on PRIME TV.  

Wellington Pride to take on Canterbury:  

1.          Angel Mulu 

2.          Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate 

3.          Raylene Lolo 

4.          Jackie Patea-Fereti © 

5.          Joanah Ngan-Woo 

6.          Maddie Feaunati 

7.          Sinead Ryder 

8.          Nina Foaese 

9.          Milly Mackey 

10.      Thamsyn Newton 

11.      Ayesha Leti-I’iga 

12.      Monica Tagoai 

13.      Teilah Ferguson 

14.      Bernadette Robertson 

15.      Julie Tusa 

IMPACT 

16.      Paige Misky 

17.      Angelica Uila 

18.      Oneata Schwalger 

19.      Te Amohaere Ngata-Aerengamate 

20.      Hosanna Aumua 

21.      Ana Afuie 

22.      Cheyne Copeland 

23.      Ivana Samani