One change to Kiwi Ferns for World Cup semi-final

Kiwi Ferns coach Ricky Henry has made one change to his starting team and one to his bench for their semi-final against hosts England at the women’s Rugby League World Cup on Tuesday morning.

The Black Ferns celebrate the try of fullback Apii Nicholls against Australia in group play at the women’s Rugby League World Cup.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Henry has restored Madison Bartlett to the wing in place of Autumn-Rain Stephens Daly for the match in York, sparking a switch from the right wing to the left for Katelyn Vahaakolo.

The only change is on the interchange bench, where forward Charlotte Scanlan replaces Christyl Stowers.

The rest of the team is unchanged from that which suffered a narrow xx loss to Australia

Henry conceded his team was “pretty close” to the best he could choose and said they were focused on making a strong start against the unbeaten English.

“I think they’ll come out really firing so we’ve just go to make sure that we’re ready to play. We have to try to take away that emotion.”

Henry said he and the players had been inspired by the deeds of the Black Ferns, who clinched the women’s Rugby World Cup crown for a sixth time with a momentous win over England in front of a sold-out Eden Park on Saturday.

“It’s outstanding. It was a top-notch game so it’s awesome for rugby back home but also for women’s sport,” he said.

“We’ve got quite a few ladies who have been part of that wider squad and they were really excited about the result and also what’s on the horizon for women’s sport.”

Kiwi Ferns:

Apii Nicholls, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Mele Hufanga, Page McGregor, Madison Bartlett, Abigail Roache, Raecene McGregor; Brianna Clark, Krystal Rota, Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala, Roxette Murdoch-Masila, Amber-Paris Hall, Georgia Hale.

Interchange: Nita Maynard, Mya Hill-Moana, Otesa Pule, Charlotte Scanlan.

– RNZ