Big calls for Bunting in new-look Ferns squad

There is no doubting where the Black Ferns will look most different when they kick off a new era in Brisbane in three weeks.

Only 19 of Allan Bunting’s first squad of 30 played in last year’s epic Rugby World Cup victory on home soil, with nine uncapped players added yesterday for the Pacific Four Series in June and July, as well as an O’reilly Cup test with Australia in Hamilton in September.

Their forward pack, who stood up to the massive challenge of the formidable English and French packs, looks settled and has the exciting addition of Matatū loose forward Lucy Jenkins.

It’s a different story in their backline, however, which is an area where the Black Ferns have always been blessed with outrageous talent.

Co-captain Ruahei Demant, the world player of the year, is the game’s premier first five-eighth. Ayesha Leti-i’iga and Renee Holmes are expected to retain their spots on the left wing and at fullback, respectively.

Elsewhere, Bunting has big calls to make.

Their right wing, the midfield duo and their next halfback (after Kendra Cocksedge’s retirement) are positions wide open ahead of tests with Australia (June 29), Canada (July 9) and United States (July 15).

This is partly because of absentees.

Cocksedge was the incumbent halfback for years and next year’s sevens tournament at the Paris Olympics has midfielders Theresa Fitzpatrick and Stacey Waaka and star wing Portia Woodman-wickliffe focusing on another Olympic gold.

Ruby Tui is on her sabbatical, playing sevens in the United States, but is expected back later this year.

That star power is difficult to replace. That aforementioned five were massive for the Black Ferns in the World Cup’s big moments. That was obvious.

Fitzpatrick, Waaka and Woodman-wickliffe could have an important role to play in the 2025 World Cup in England, but they are not in contention for the Pacific Four Series.

Cocksedge’s replacement has been narrowed down to two: Arihiana Marino-tauhinu and the uncapped Iritana Hohaia.

Marino-tauhinu seems to have the edge after playing 12 tests and her strong season for the Chiefs Manawa in Super Rugby Aupiki, although Hohaia is a great prospect.

Ariana Bayler was the preferred reserve halfback to Cocksedge in the World Cup but was not selected. Bunting said she ‘‘needed more time to get herself ready’’.

Ex-league winger Katelyn Vahaakolo and Chiefs outside backs Mererangi Paul and Tenika Willison are the new contenders for the back three after impressing in Aupiki.

Vahaakolo, 23, has experience of the big occasion after playing in last year’s Rugby League World Cup final, which the Kiwi Ferns lost 54-4 to Australia. While she has been hopping between the codes, representing Auckland and the Blues, she seems settled on rugby for the meantime.

Paul and Willison excelled for the Chiefs, who dominated Aupiki until losing the final 33-31 against Matatū, when they played on the right wing and at fullback respectively.

One of that trio is likely to start for their test debut soon. It’s not clear, but it could be between Paul and Vahaakolo for the right wing spot.

Willison, a contracted sevens player, was a late call-up whose versatility could work in her favour, too.

In the midfield, Fitzpatrick and Waaka starred in the World Cup final win over England.

Neither are in the mix, opening the door for Amy du Plessis to start with Grace Brooker after they combined effectively as a pairing for Matatū in Aupiki. Brooker is back after recovering from a serious knee injury.

Kelsey Teneti, who played one test at centre last year before returning to sevens, and Sylvia Brunt, who featured in the World Cup, are also contenders who should get an opportunity at some point.

It’s decision time.