The Australian Jillaroos will host the Kiwi Ferns in the curtain-raiser (before the Kangaroos and Kiwis go head to head) on Friday 5th of May at GIO Stadium, kick off at 5:25pm (AEST).
Photo Cred: Getty Images- Renae Kunst of the Jillaroos is tackled by Amber Kani (L) and Lilieta Maumau of the Black Ferns during the 2017 Auckland Nines match
The game will be broadcasted on Channel Nine at 5:25pm following the under 20’s and before the Kangaroos and Kiwis play.
The Jillaroos will be without the experience of Kezie Apps after she suffered a broken leg during the Auckland Nines and Allana Ferguson who has been recovering and missed out on selection.
The Kiwi Ferns have named six debutants to play in the ANZAC test game on Friday including Alexandra Cook, Bunty Kuruwaka- Crowe, Corrina Whiley, Crystal Tamarua, Madison Bartlett and Ngatokotoru Arakua.
LAST TIME OUT
The last time these two teams went head to head was during the Auckland Nines series at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.
The Australian ladies came out firing winning all 3 games after losing last year’s ANZAC Test game in front of a home crowd at Hunter Stadium, 26-16.
Auckland Nines Results 2017
First Game: Jillaroos defeated Kiwi Ferns 20-4
Second Game: Jillaroos defeated Kiwi Ferns 8-0
Third Game: Jillaroos defeated Kiwi Ferns 14-4
The Kiwi Ferns were unable to put more than 4 points (a try) on the scoreboard in two games and were left scoreless in dominant performance in the second match. The Aussies illustrated a great defensive effort within all games.
The Jillaroos dominated throughout the series as both teams put on a physical battle.
The Test Match on Friday will be no different, a physical contest will be shown at GIO Stadium. The weather will be challenging for the women with it expecting to be cool conditions with a minimum of six degrees and top of 18 Degrees Celsius expected.
KEY BATTLES
The key battle will definitely in the halves and forward packs within the teams as making metres and creating good attacking play will be essential to take away the victory.
The experience of the Captains, Ruan Sims (Jillaroos) and Sarina Fiso (Ferns) will also play a key role throughout the game. The leadership of these two talented athletes will have a significant influence in leading their side to victory, they will need to step up and play good rugby league they have displayed throughout their career. The confidence they depict will also play a huge role as it is anyone’s game on the night.
PREDICTION
It will be a challenging game for both teams in the cold conditions but I think Australia will be determined to defeat the Ferns after being defeating in front of the home-crowd at Newcastle last year (in the ANZAC Test).
With the game being a curtain-raiser being played before the Kangaroos and Kiwi’s, the crowd at GIO Stadium should be promising and the majority of fans will be there to back the home side.
With home side support, Jillaroos by 8.
SQUADS
Australia Jillaroos: 1. Sam Bremner 2. Karina Brown 3. Corban McGregor 4. Caitlin Moran 5. Chelsea Baker 6. Zahara Temara 7. Simone Smith 8. Ruan Sims 9. Brittany Breayley 10. Heather Ballinger 11. Renae Kunst 12. Annette Brander 13. Simaima Taufu 14. Ali Brigginshaw 15. Rebecca Young 16. Elliana Walton 17. Amelia Kuk 18. Maddie Studdon 19. Isabelle Kelly 20. Kody House
Kiwi Ferns: Alexandra Cook | Annetta Nuuausala | Atawhai Tupaea | Bunty Kuruwaka- Crowe | Corrina Whiley | Crystal Tamarua | Georgia Hale | Hilda Peters | Krystal Rota | Langi Veainu | Laura Mariu | Lilieta Maumau | Madison Bartlett | Ngatokotoru Arakua | Nora Maaka | Sarina Fiso | Teuila Fotu- Moala | Va’anessa Molia-Fraser
