Krystel Rota

Hooker to lead Kiwi Ferns against Samoa

Rota has been a focal point of the Ferns team for the better part of four years since making her debut in the 2016 Anzac test victory over the Jillaroos.

No stranger to the captaincy role, Rota led the Counties Manukau women's team for three years, including over the weekend when they won their 11th straight national title by beating the Akarana Falcons in the final.

She has also captained the Maori All-Stars for two years and scored the match-winning try in their inaugural game against the Indigenous All-Stars.