WRWC -Black Ferns aiming for four from four

The Black Ferns will be trying to make it four in a row as an unchanged line-up takes on home favourites England in the IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup Final early on Monday morning (NZT).
 
Black Ferns Coach Brian Evans and his Assistant Coach Grant Hansen have made no changes to the starting XV that beat France 45-7 in the semifinal on Thursday morning (NZT).
 
The bench has one change with Auckland loose forward Linda Itunu coming on in place of her provincial union teammate, lock Monalisa Codling.
 
Coach Evans said he was happy to be able to have all 26 players to select from going into the Final match of the Tournament. He was also happy with the preparation having played through the so-called “pool of death” against fellow SANZAR countries, Australia and South Africa and also Wales.
 
“This game will be massive and England are a very good side with strong players across the park. They have been preparing for this for four years and after two consecutive Final appearances against the Black Ferns will be highly motivated, playing in front of their home crowd.
 
“We will need to have patience and look to apply pressure on them,” he added.
 
England beat Ireland, Kazakhstan and the USA in pool play and met Australia in the semifinal winning that match 15-0.
 
Starting XV
 
1.         Ruth McKay
2.         Fiao’o Faamausili
3.         Mel Bosman
4.         Vita Robinson
5.         Victoria Heighway
6.         Melissa Ruscoe
7.         Justine Lavea
8.         Casey Robertson
9.         Emma Jensen
10.      Anna Richards
11.      Renee Wickcliffe
12.      Kelly Brazier
13.      Huriana Manuel
14.      Carla Hohepa
15.      Victoria Grant
 
Reserves
 
16.      Karina Penetito
17.      Steph Te Ohaere-Fox
18.      Linda Itunu
19.      Joan Sione
20.      Kendra Cocksedge
21.      Rebecca Mahoney (nee Hull)
22.      Trish Hina
 
Final (times and date UK time)
 
Final, 5.15pm – 5 September
 
Final will be broadcast live on SKY Sports Rugby Channel (037).