Counties Manukau Heat players named in Possibles v Probables Squads

Five members of the Counties Manukau Heat have been named in the Possibles v Probables squads to face off at North Harbour Stadium on November 7.

Loose forward Lisa Molia and backs Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu and Langi Veainu have been included in the Probables squad for the contest while Katie Mata’u and first-five Hazel Tubic are named in the Possibles side, coached by Heat mentor Chad Shepherd.

“We’ve balanced experienced with new and up-and-coming players who have the potential to become names of the future. We are confident we have the right mix," Black Ferns coach Glenn Moore said.

“The adversity the players have faced this year has inspired them and that's been reflected by their performances. The result has been some of the best Farah Palmer Cup action the provincial coaches and I have seen. Knowing these trial squads would be named, and with Rugby World Cup next year, there has been huge motivation for everyone.

“The challenge for the players now is to come together quickly in their respective squads, work as a team, and prepare for a tough match-up. The potential of being named in a Black Ferns squad in a couple of weeks will ramp the pressure up further. They will also be playing for, and representing, two charities.  It’s going to be a great couple of weeks.”

The Black Ferns will play games against the New Zealand Barbarians in Auckland and Nelson in the only action the side will see in 2020.

The World Cup looms next year.