Black Ferns named for Australia test match
- Dave Worsley
- Jun 30
- 2 min read
The New Zeland selectors have confirmed a 33-player squad for the upcoming July matches against Black Ferns XV (trial) and Australia (Test), the last games on home soil for 2025. .
There are four changes from the Pacific Four Series with Renee Holmes and Kelly Brazier recalled to the squad and potential Test debuts for Matatū Laura Bayfield and Chiefs loose forward Mia Anderson.
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Co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu, Kaipo Olsen-Baker and Mererangi Paul are unavailable due to injury with Alana Bremner stepping into the co-captaincy role alongside Ruahei Demant.
One big name missing again is Ruby Tui, who was also not selected for the Pacific Four Series.
"At this stage of our World Cup journey, internal competition has been intense and selections are getting tougher as our wider squad have put in the work. Renee has come back and shown real growth,
Kelly gives us experience and depth at 10 adding to our kicking game, while Mia and Laura have consistently been impressive," said coach Allan Bunting.
The first game is Saturday 5 July with a 1.05pm kickoff at Semenoff Stadium, Whangareia against a Black Ferns XV.
The test against Australia is in Wellington, Saturday 12 July a 4.30pm kickoff
The Black Ferns squad for the July Series is:
Props
Chryss Viliko, Kate Henwood, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Tanya Kalounivale, Amy Rule, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu.
Hookers
Georgia Ponsonby, Atlanta Lolohea, Vici-Rose Green.
Locks
Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Alana Bremner, Maama Mo'onia Vaipulu, Chelsea Bremner, Laura Bayfield.
Loose Forwards
Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Layla Sae, Jorja Miller, Mia Anderson.
Halfbacks
Maia Joseph, Iritana Hohaia, Risaleaana Pouri-Lane.
First fives
Ruahei Demant, Hannah King, Kelly Brazier,
Midfield
Sylvia Brunt, Amy du Plessis, Stacey Waaka, Theresa Setefano.
Outside backs
Katelyn Vahaakolo, Ayesha Leti-I'iga, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Renee Holmes, Braxton Sorensen-McGee
