Demant returns to Black Ferns side to face France
There are seven changes to Black Ferns 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.
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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 to host France in the first of three home WXV Global Series tests in Hamilton on Saturday.
Experienced first five-eighth Demant has been named on the bench as one of seven changes to the team that lost 26-19 to England a fortnight ago, with Hannah King retaining the No 10 jersey for the fifth game in a row.
Demant missed the past three games after sustaining a calf injury during the Black Ferns’ 52-20 win over South Africa in September.
Only two changes have been made to the starting XV, with Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu replacing Laura Bayfield at lock and Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a coming in on the right wing ahead of Mererangi Paul. Mia Anderson was not considered for selection due to concussion.
The teams will meet three times during the series, with further tests in Whangārei and Christchurch to follow.
“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,” said coach Whitney Hansen.
“I also want to acknowledge Ruahei for the selflessness she showed and the 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 Black Ferns take on France at FMG Stadium, Waikato on Saturday, October 17, kick off 3.05pm.
Black Ferns: Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a, Amy Du Plessis, Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Hannah King, Maia Joseph, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Elinor-Plum King, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Georgia Ponsonby (co-capt), Chryss Viliko. Reserves: Vici-Rose Green, Ngano Tavake, Santo Taumata, Laura Bayfield, Layla Sae, Tara Turner, Ruahei Demant (co-capt), Mererangi Paul
