Wales Women's coach Jason Lewis expects a 'huge challenge'

Favourites New Zealand Women have named a formidable squad for their defence of the World Cup where they face Wales, Australia and South Africa.

Brian Evans' Kiwi side will be going for a fourth successive title with Monalisa Codling having been involved in each of those triumphs.

Five other squad members will be seeking their own hat-trick of titles.

"We're under no illusions, New Zealand are world champions and deservedly so," said Wales head coach Jason Lewis.

"They are a tough side with bags of experience so they obviously pose a huge challenge."

Melissa Ruscoe returns to lead the Black Ferns in a squad boasting just one uncapped player in centre Trish Hina, who will become a dual international having already represented New Zealand in rugby league.

"We are very pleased with the depth and experience we have been able to select for this squad," said Evans.

"I am confident that we have a strong squad to travel to England."

The tournament will be held in London from 20 August to 5 September.

The early games and minor knock-out matches will be played at Surrey Sports Park, while the semi-finals, third-place play-off and final will be staged at the Twickenham Stoop.

New Zealand squad: Kelly Brazier (Otago), Kendra Cocksedge (Canterbury), Monalisa Codling (Auckland), Fiao'o Faamausili (Auckland), Victoria Grant (nee Blackledge) (Auckland), Victoria Heighway (Auckland), Trish Hina (Auckland), Carla Hohepa (Otago), Rebecca Hull (nee Mahoney) (Wellington), Halie Hurring (Canterbury), Linda Itunu (Auckland), Emma Jensen (Auckland), Justine Lavea (Auckland), Huriana Manuel (Auckland), Ruth McKay (Manawatu), Mel Ngatai (Canterbury), Karina Penetito (Auckland), Casey Robertson (Canterbury), Vita Robinson (Auckland), Amiria Rule (nee Marsh) (Canterbury), Melissa Ruscoe (Captain, Canterbury), Aroha Savage (Auckland), Joan Sione (Auckland), Doris Taufateau (Auckland), Steph TeOhaere-Fox (Canterbury), Renee Wickliffe (Auckland).

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