Black Ferns Head Coach Whitney Hansen and her selection panel have named their team to take on France at FMG Stadium, Waikato on Saturday, October 17 kicking off at 3.05pm NZDT.
The match marks the first of three Tests against France for the home WXV Global Series, proudly supported by the New Zealand Government’s Events Boost Fund.
In the match-day 23, seven changes have been made to the side that played England at Allianz Stadium in September, including the return of co-captain Ruahei Demant off the bench following a calf injury sustained during the South Africa Test.
Georgia Ponsonby starts as co-captain for the match with loosehead prop Chryss Viliko and tighthead prop Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu in the front row.
The starting XV will also see lock Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu earn a start with Maiakawanakaulani Roos, while Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Elinor-Plum King and Kaipo Olsen-Baker form the loose forwards trio.
The only change to the backline sees Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a named on the right wing.
Vici-Rose Green joins the 23 with Ngano Tavake suiting up for her second Test and Laura Bayfield as forwards replacements, alongside Demant and winger Mererangi Paul.
Black Ferns Head Coach Whitney Hansen said:
“Building on the momentum from our England performance, we needed to struck the right balance between providing opportunities for our newer Black Ferns, and maintaining the continuity and experience around them to succeed.
“We’ve made changes to who starts and finishes, which will be a focus this campaign. Both are equally important, and we need players who can excel in each.
“I also want to acknowledge Ruahei for the selflessness she showed and significant role she played throughout our Northern Tour. I don’t think we would have had the same level of success we did without her commitment to developing those around her. We’re excited to have her back out on the field, leading and driving our game.”
The match will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sport with highlights available on Black Ferns YouTube, 48 hours after the final whistle.
Black Ferns v France (Test caps bracketed)
1. Chryss Viliko (26)
2. Georgia Ponsonby (45) – co-captain
3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (11)
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (46)
5. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (15)
6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (43)
7. Elinor-Plum King (5)
8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (24)
9. Maia Joseph (24)
10. Hannah King (18)
11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga (36)
12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (36)
13. Amy Du Plessis (29)
14. Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a (3)
15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee (14)
16. Vici-Rose Green (9)
17. Ngano Tavake (1)
18. Santo Taumata (11)
19. Laura Bayfield (12)
20. Layla Sae (22)
21. Tara Turner (7)
22. Ruahei Demant (56) – co-captain
23. Mererangi Paul (21)
Unavailable due to injury: Mia Anderson (concussion)
