Tui back in Black Ferns to battle Wallaroos
- Dave Worsley
- Jul 10
- 2 min read
The Black Ferns have named their match-day 23 to play Australia in the O’Reilly Cup infront of a sold out crowd at Sky Stadium, Wellington on Saturday,.
Matatū lock Laura Bayfield is in line for her Black Ferns debut off the bench following an impressive performance for the Black Ferns XV in Whangārei last weekend.
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Team stalwart Kelly Brazier will play in her first Test since 2021, bringing over 15 years of experience to the team.
Black Ferns Director of Performance Allan Bunting said both Bayfield and Brazier have earned this weekend’s opportunities based on hard work.
“Laura was a standout throughout Sky Super Rugby Aupiki this year and has put in the work. She topped all stats for the Black Ferns XV in Whangārei and deserves her opportunity to debut this weekend. It’s going to be a proud moment for Laura and her whānau. It has also been great having Kelly in the July Series squad, her experience has really added to our depth at 10,” Bunting said.
The starting XV has Georgia Ponsonby anchor the scrum alongside props Chryss Viliko and Tanya Kalounivale. Chelsea Bremner and Maiakawanakaulani Roos make up the locking duo, while co-captain Alana Bremner shifts to the loose forwards with Jorja Miller and Liana Mikaele-Tu’u.
Risaleaana Pouri-Lane start at halfback alongside co-captain Ruahei Demant in the number 10 jersey. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt and Stacey Waaka combine in the midfield with Katelyn Vahaakolo and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe on the wings. Renee Holmes starts her first Test of the year at fullback rounding out the starting XV.
After being recalled into the squad earlier this week as injury cover, Ruby Tui will celebrate her 20th Test off the bench alongside Amy Rule who celebrates her 30th Test, Vici-Rose Green, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Layla Sae and Iritiana Hohaia.
“We’re really looking forward to playing in front of our whānau and friends on Saturday. I want to take the time to thank everyone for coming out to support our home games this year. Your continued support is incredibly valuable to us as we embark on our Rugby World Cup journey in England next month,” said Bunting.
It is the last time the Black Ferns play at home before travelling to the World Cup.
Black Ferns: Renee Holmes, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Stacey Waaka, Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai’i (Sylvia) Brunt, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Ruahei Demant (co-capt), Risaleaana Pouri-Lane, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Jorja Miller, Alana Bremner (co-capt), Chelsea Bremner, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Tanya Kalounivale, Georgia Ponsonby, Chryss Viliko. Reserves: Vici-Rose Green, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Amy Rule, Laura Bayfield, Layla Sae, Iritana Hohaia, Kelly Brazier, Ruby Tui.
