Black Ferns vs Japan Rugby World Cup
- Dave Worsley
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
The Black Ferns have named their side to play Japan in their second Women's Rugby World Cup match at Exeter on Monday (NZT).
Loose forward Kennedy Tukuafu will start in her first test since the Black Ferns played USA in the 2025 Pacific Four Series. She'll start on the open side with Jorja Miller shifting to the blindiside of the scrum.
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Alana Bremner and Ruahei Demant will lead the side with prop Kate Henwood also returning from an ankle injury to make her World Cup debut, alongside Katelyn Vahaakolo, Atlanta Lolohea, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu and Maia Joseph.
Meanwhile, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe can become New Zealand's all-time top try scorer if she dots down against Japan.
Black Ferns director of performance Allan Bunting said the team are focused on building strength and purpose.
"It's awesome to be here in Exeter and we have had a focused week of preparations. It's great to have Kennedy and Kate back in the team. Their grit and determination to get to where they are, at a pinnacle event is a special moment for not only for them but the entire squad," Bunting said
"Japan played well last week, they are well-coached, and we expect them to come out and throw everything at us. We've selected a team who we believe will rise to the occasion."
The Black Ferns are coming off a 54-8 win over Spain in their opening match, while Japan are looking to bounce back after a 42-14 defeat to Ireland.
Black Ferns: 1. Chryss Viliko, 2. Georgia Ponsonby, 3. Tanya Kalounivale, 4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 5. Alana Bremner (cc), 6. Jorja Miller, 7. Kennedy Tukuafu, 8. Layla Sae, 9. Risaleaana Pouri-Lane, 10. Ruahei Demant (cc), 11. Katelyn Vahaakolo, 12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt, 13. Stacey Waaka, 14. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, 15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee.
Bench: 16. Atlanta Lolohea, 17. Kate Henwood, 18. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, 19. Laura Bayfield, 20. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, 21. Maia Joseph 22. Renee Holmes, 23. Theresa Setefano.
