Black Fern Kalounivale for tests

Tanya Kalounivale has been included in the 33 member Black Fern squad for the upcoming O’Reiley Cup Test Series against Australia.

Director of Rugby Wayne Smith has recalled Kalounivale and a majority of his squad from that won the Pacific Four Series.

Inside centre Ruahei Demant also returns to lead the side with vice-captain Kennedy Simon

Smith has also roped in young inclusions Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Santo Taumata and Tyla Nathan-Wong who will be hunting their first cap.

The trio replace Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Grace Brooker and Aleisha-Pearl Nelson who are out with injuries.

The Black Ferns will take on Australia in their first match on Saturday on August 20 at Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch before the final test at Adelaide Oval in Adelaide on August 27.

Black Ferns squad: Luka Connor, Natalie Delamere, Georgia Ponsonby, Tanya Kalounivale, Pip Love, Krystal Murray, Amy Rule, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Santo Taumata, Chelsea Bremner, Joanah Ngan Woo, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Alana Bremner, Tafito Lafaele, Charmaine McMenamin, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Kendra Reynolds, Kennedy Simon, Ariana Bayler,
Kendra Cocksedge, Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu, Sylvia Brunt, Ruahei Demant, Amy du Plessis, Theresa Fitzpatrick, Chelsea Semple, Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali, Hazel Tubic, Renee Holmes, Ayesha Leti-I'iga, Tyla Nathan-Wong, Grace Steinmetz, Ruby Tui

By Noa Biudole