Players return for Black Ferns challenge vs England
A couple of key players have been named in the Black Ferns for their clash against England at Twickenham on Sunday morning.
Both wing Ayesha Leti-I’iga and loose forward Kaipo Olsen-Baker return from injury after missing recent tests.
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The front row will see loosehead prop Chyrss Viliko and tighthead prop Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu start with captain Georgia Ponsonby anchoring the scrum at hooker.
Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Laura Bayfield returns from illness to be named as the locking duo, while loose forwards Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Elinor Plum-King and Olsen-Baker combine rounding out a formidable forward pack.
Halfback Maia Joseph and first five-eighth Hannah King will start, alongside the midfield combination of Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atati’i Sylvia Brunt and Amy Du Plessis. Leti-I’iga and Mererangi Paul look to bring pace on the wings along with Braxton Sorensen-McGee at fullback.
Atlanta Lolohea (hooker), props Maddison Robinson and Santo Taumata, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (lock) and Layla Sae (loose forward) have been named as forward replacements.
Halfback Tara Turner who was named Player of the Match against Scotland last Saturday joins Justine McGregor and Alena Saili as backs cover.
Black Ferns Head Coach Whitney Hansen was expecting a big challenge to complete the WXV Global Series.
“Our players are built different, we’re made for these moments. We’ve continued to grow each week and we’re excited to put our rugby identity to the test against England, who are currently number one in the world," said Hansen.
England had won 39 consecutive games before a draw last week with Canada.
Black Ferns: Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Mererangi Paul, Amy Du Plessis, Sylvia Brunt, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Hannah King, Maia Joseph, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Elinor-Plum King, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Laura Bayfield, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Georgia Ponsonby (capt), Chryss Viliko. Reserves: Atlanta Lolohea, Maddison Robinson, Santo Taumata, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Layla Sae, Tara Turner, Justine McGregor, Alena Saili.
