Speedster LetiI’iga named in Black Ferns

THE Black Ferns have included Wellington speedster Ayesha LetiI’iga in their side to take on the United States in a tripleheader tomorrow morning.

The 19yearold is enjoying a remarkable ride in the sport, named in Glenn Moore’s squad after she was crowned Wellington’s women’s club player of the year.

The teenager has scored 41 tries in just 13 matches this year, including nine hattricks.

She makes her debut on the left wing, with the experienced

and wise Renee Wickliffe keeping an eye on her from the right wing.

Another fast, young Wellingtonian in Monica Tagoai (20) will debut off the bench.

Waikato’s Chelsea Alley will start at second fiveeighth after

an impressive Farah Palmer Cup season in which she finished among the top goalkickers.

The Black Ferns last faced the US in a World Cup semifinal in 2017, a match New Zealand won 4512.

Moore said the Black Ferns were likely to face a very different side tomorrow with a host of new caps in the American team.

‘‘We’re facing many unknowns but we do know they’ll be athletic, we know they’ll be physical and we know they’ll be fast, so we’re going to have to go out there and be on top of our game,’’ he said.

After the Black Ferns play, there will be two internationals involving men’s teams.

Ireland plays Italy and then the Maori All Blacks meet the United States.