Kendra Cocksedge will become the most capped Black Fern in history when she runs out for New Zealand against Australia on Monday.
The veteran has been named at halfback for their first Pacific Four Series opener against their rivals, 16 years since making her debut.
“It’s going to be a very exciting day for me and my family, especially bringing up this milestone on home turf. We've had an awesome week building up to the Test and can’t wait to get out there on Monday,” Cocksedge said.
Black Ferns Director of Rugby Wayne Smith heaped praise on Cocksedge’s contribution to the team and believes her influence has been enormous.
“Kendra is a great role model. She played her part behind Emma Jensen for a long time, which shows how much perseverance she has and how much she loves this jersey,” said Smith.
Cocksedge brings much-welcomed experience to what was a largely inexperienced team named to take on their trans-Tasman rivals.
Seven debutants have been included in the match squad, which includes New Zealand sevens veteran, Ruby Tui on the right wing.
"We are looking at these series before the World Cup as an opportunity for players to put their best foot forward. We’re really impressed with some of our younger players, they’re in good condition and deserve a crack," Smith said.
"I've always seen selection as an easy process, the players select themselves – we just have to write the names down.
"It's exciting having these tests in our own country and that brings with it some pressure. I want this series to be exhilarating for the country and the players. We've got a game that can do that – we just have to put it out on the field."
Black Ferns: 1-Krystal Murray, 2-Georgia Ponsonby, 3-Amy Rule, 4-Maiakawanakaulani Ross, 5-Chelsea Bremner, 6- Alana Bremner, 7-Kendra Reynolds, 8-Kaipo Olsen-Baker, 9-Kendra Cocksedge, 10-Ruahei Demant, 11-Ayesha Leti-I'iga, 12-Chelsea Semple, 13-Kelsey Teneti, 14-Ruby Tui, 15-Renee Holmes
Reserves: 16-Luka Connor, 17- Angel Mulu, 18-Tanya Kalounivale, 19-Joanah Ngan-Woo, 20-Tafito Lafaele, 21-Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu, 22-Hazel Tubic, 23-Cheyelle Robins-Reti
Join us at 2:45pm Monday for live updates of the Black Ferns v Austalia Pacific Four Series
