Black Ferns make changes for final Test of 2026
Black Ferns Head Coach Whitney Hansen has made 12 changes to her match-day 23 that faced France in Whangārei last weekend, with nine in the starting line-up.
In the forwards, locks Maiakawanakaulani Roos moves from the bench to the starting XV, Laura Bayfield shifts from loosehead to tighthead lock, and Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu will look to create impact off the bench.
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Mia Anderson and Elinor-Plum King return to the starting line-up and Liana Mikaele-Tu’u rounds out the loose forward trio starting in the no.8 jersey. Earlier this week, Elinor-Plum King was nominated for World Rugby’s Breakthrough 15s Player of the Year.
In the backline, Maia Joseph starts at halfback after coming off the bench last week, with captain Ruahei Demant retaining the no.10 jersey. Ayesha Leti-I’iga moves from the bench to start on the wing, Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a switches to the opposite wing, both will be looking to bring pace, while Amy Du Plessis is named in the midfield. Mererangi Paul moves to the bench.
Ariana Bayler, who joined the squad this week as an injury replacement for Tara Turner, is named at halfback on the bench.
Black Ferns Head Coach Whitney Hansen wants spectators to get out and support th eside in their final game of the year
“This Saturday is the final opportunity to get behind the Black Ferns, and we encourage fans to arrive early to witness rugby’s future stars in New Zealand’s first-ever U21 women’s fixture against Australia.
“On behalf of the team, I want to thank everyone who has supported us throughout what has been our biggest year yet. To finish the year playing in front of our fans, on home soil in Ōtautahi, is a privilege. We don’t take that support for granted, and we’re determined to put on a performance that we can be proud of.”
The game kicks off Saturday 31 October at 7.10pm at the indoor stadium in Christchurch.
Black Ferns: 1. Chryss Viliko, 2. Georgia Ponsonby, 3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, 4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 5. Laura Bayfield, 6. Mia Anderson, 7. Elinor-Plum King, 8. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, 9. Maia Joseph 10. Ruahei Demant (c), 11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga, 12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt, 13. Amy du Plessis, 14. Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a, 15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee.
Bench: 16. Vici-Rose Green, 17. Maddison Robinson, 18. Santo Taumata, 19. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, 20. Amarante Sititi, 21. Ariana Bayler, 22. Hannah King, 23. Mererangi Paul.
Unavailable: Atlanta Lolohea (ankle), Tara Turner (concussion), Kaipo Olsen-Baker (ankle).
