Almost a year to the day since they lifted the Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy for a fifth time in Ireland, New Zealand are back in action when they take on Australia for the Laurie O’Reilly Memorial Trophy at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney on Saturday.

The world’s number one-ranked team have won all 15 previous encounters against the Wallaroos and will start as strong favourites, but both camps report preparations have gone well.

Last week, the Blacks Ferns benefited from warm-up games of three halves against Bay of Plenty and Auckland, while the Wallaroos go into the two-test series – they face each other again in Auckland next Saturday – after the success of the inaugural Super W domestic competition.

“We’ve had the luxury of more preparation time which has given us the opportunity to gel as a team, test a few things, and make sure everyone is the best physical and mental state they can be in," said Black Ferns coach Glenn Moore.

Five new caps

Auckland fly-half Ruahei Demant will wear the pivotal No.10 jersey after fighting her way back from several injuries in the past few years, in a Black Ferns squad that includes five new caps in the match-day 23. Winger Alena Saili is the other rookie in the starting line-up.

Moore put Demant’s selection down to the 23-year-old’s determination and dedication. “Ruahei never gave up on her rugby dream and worked her way back from knee surgeries. She’s a very experienced player at both club and Farah Palmer Cup level. She’s a strong kicker, well organised and works well with (half-back) Kendra (Cocksedge).

“We’ve named five debutants in the team for Saturday, but the amount of rugby experience they all have is significant. The combination of the experienced test match players and these talented new players makes this team an exciting mix.”

“The players are really enjoying being with each other and we’re really humming. It’s been more than a year since we’ve played Australia and we can’t wait to get out there.” 

Australia field a new-look starting XV too, with nine new faces and only one survivor – winger Samantha Treherne – from the team that was beaten 44-17 the last time the sides met in Christchurch in June 2017.

Emily Chancellor headlines a list of debutants that also includes four other starters in Georgia O’Neill, Crystal Maguire, Atasi Lafai and Mhicca Carter, while Darryl Wickliffe, Melissa Fatu, Alice Tonumaivao and Shanice Parker have been named on the bench.

Excellent build-up

Maguire will step into the inside centre spot in place of Sarah Riordan, who suffered an ankle injury at training on Wednesday, ruling her out of the test.

Coach Dwayne Nestor said the team was raring to go for the Sydney test.

“We’ve had a really excellent build up to our first match of 2018 and the team is chomping at the bit to get out there and play some rugby,” he said.

“I’ve been really impressed with how this team has taken on the detail of the way we want to play and physically worked hard over the last few months – it’s all come together in camp quite well.

“It was really disappointing to lose Sarah Riordan to injury, but from injury comes an opportunity for Crystal Maguire to show what she can do in the centres.

“This match is going to be incredibly tough, but it’s a challenge we are really looking forward to.”