Four to debut for Black Ferns v United States

Jorja Miller will make her debut for the Black Ferns XV's against the United States PHOTO: WORLD SVNS

Four players will make their Black Ferns debuts as New Zealand faces the United States in their last Pacific Four (PAC4) game.

Olympic gold medal winning sevens players Jorja Miller and Risaleaana Pouri-Lane will start at openside flanker and half-back respectively in Saturday's clash at North Harbour Stadium.

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Chiefs Manawa front rowers Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu and Vici-Rose Green are the other two debutantes, with Mahutariki-Fakalelu starting and Green on the bench.

There are eight changes to the starting XV from the side that drew with Canada last weekend.

In the front row, prop Mahutariki-Fakalelu will start alongside Kate Henwood and hooker Georgia Ponsonby who celebrates her 30th Test milestone. Miller, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u and Kaipo Olsen-Baker form the loose-forward trio.

Theresa Setefano and Stacey Waaka combine in the midfield for their first test since starring in the Rugby World Cup Final in 2022, while there is an all-Blues back three of Katelyn Vahaakolo, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and Braxton Sorensen-McGee.

Black Ferns director of performance Allan Bunting said he was excited to provide them with the opportunity.

"We are delighted to see our four players get a chance to don this black jersey for the first time. This is going to be a special moment for them to play in front of their whānau and friends. Veisinia and Vici-Rose have been with us since our first training camp. They have worked hard and done the learning, while showing their commitment to the team by helping them prepare for the last two Tests. It's now their time.

"Jorja and Risaleaana, who joined us last week following their successful sevens World Series campaign, have slotted in seamlessly. They are great humans and diligent athletes, we look forward to watching them do their thing this weekend."

The Black Ferns currently lead the PAC4 standings on points difference from Canada.

Canada play Australia in the other game this weekend.

Black Ferns line-up

1. Kate Henwood

2. Georgia Ponsonby

3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu

4. Alana Bremner

5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos

6. Liana Mikaele-Tu'u

7. Jorja Miller

8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker

9. Risaleaana Pouri-Lane

10. Ruahei Demant (cc)

11. Katelyn Vahaakolo

12. Theresa Setefano

13. Stacey Waaka

14. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe

15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee

Bench:

16. Vici-Rose Green

17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu

18. Tanya Kalounivale

19. Chelsea Bremner

20. Kennedy Tukuafu (cc)

21. Maia Joseph

22. Hannah King

23. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i/Sylvia Brunt