Black Ferns stick with same XV to face Canada
- 4 hours ago
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The Black Ferns side has been named to face Canada this Saturday in Kansas City in their second game of the of Pacific Four Series.
There are no personnel or positional changes to the side that defeated USA (48-15) in Sacramento last weekend.
The starting XV will see props Chryss Viliko and Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu start alongside hooker Georgia Ponsonby.
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The locking duo of Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Laura Bayfield remains unchanged, while Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu and Kaipo Olsen-Baker have been named in the loose forwards.
Maia Joseph will start alongside co-captain Ruahei Demant in the number 9 and 10 jerseys, with Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i and Amy Du’Plessis in the midfield. After scoring a hat-trick against USA, Mererangi Paul returns with Ayesha Leti-I’iga on the wings, while Renee Holmes remains at fullback.
The bench includes Maddison Robinson, Mia Anderson, Tara Turner and Justine McGregor for their second caps along with Vici-Rose Green, Tanya Kalounivale and Hannah King.
Kalounivale was sent off during the PAC4 opener last weekend for contact above the shoulders in the ruck. Following a full disciplinary hearing the independent Disciplinary Committee determined that the action did not warrant a red card, making her available for selection.
Canada, currently ranked second in the world, last faced the Black Ferns in the Women’s Rugby World Cup semifinal which ended in a 34-19 loss for New Zealand at Ashton Gate Stadium.
Previous to that, the Black Ferns drew 27-27 during the second round of Pacific Four Series in 2025.
“Our focus is on us and the upcoming opportunity to refine our rugby identity. We know Canada are a physical and accurate side, and we’re looking forward to matching the intensity to put on a consistent, disciplined performance we can be proud of," said head coach Whitney Hansen.
“Both teams are coming off the back of growing performances, so fans in the USA and back home can expect an entertaining contest.”
Black Ferns: Renee Holmes, Mererangi Paul, Amy Du’Plessis, Sylvia Brunt, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Ruahei Demant, Maia Joseph, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Kennedy Tukuafu, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Laura Bayfield, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Georgia Ponsonby, Chryss Viliko. Reserves: Vici-Rose Green, Maddison Robinson, Tanya Kalounivale, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Mia Anderson, Tara Turner, Hannah King, Justine McGregor.
