Stars return for Black Ferns to face South Africa
- Dave Worsley
- 14 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Black Ferns team for their 2025 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal against South Africa on Sunday has been confirmed.
The team welcome back loose forward Kaipo Olsen-Baker and centre Amy du Plessis off the bench as they return from injuries sustained in round one of pool play. Stacey Waaka has also been named to start in her 30th test.
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In the starting XV, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu has been named a tighthead prop alongside loosehead prop Chryss Viliko and hooker Georgia Ponsonby. Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Alana Bremner retain their spots in starting locks, while the loose forward trio comprises of Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Jorja Miller, and Olsen-Baker.
In the backline, halfback Maia Joseph will join co-captain Ruahei Demant in the halves, while the veteran duo of Theresa Setefano and Waaka cover the midfield.
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe has been named on the wing alongside Braxton Sorensen-McGee who scored back-to-back hat-tricks against Ireland and Japan. She is currently the tournament's top point scorer on 38 points. Following her standout performance against Ireland, Renee Holmes rounds out the starting XV at fullback.
Atlanta Lolohea, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Kate Henwood, Laura Bayfield, co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu, Iritana Hohaia, du Plessis, and Ayesha Leti-I'iga have been named on the bench.
Allan Bunting, the Black Ferns Director of Performance, said the team have taken away key learnings from the Ireland test.
"This match against South Africa means a lot to us, it's a final, we are also aware of what this game means to South Africa. We have selected our strongest available 23," Bunting said.
"It's also important to mention the fans who travel near and far to support the Black Ferns, including our whānau. We feel and appreciate the continuous support for our wāhine."
Black Ferns: 1. Chryss Viliko, 2. Georgia Ponsonby, 3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, 4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 5. Alana Bremner, 6. Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, 7. Jorja Miller, 8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker, 9. Maia Joseph, 10. Ruahei Demant (co-captain), 11. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, 12. Theresa Setefano, 13. Stacey Waaka, 14. Braxton Sorensen-McGee, 15. Renee Holmes.
Reserves 16. Atlanta Lolohea, 17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, 18. Kate Henwood, 19. Laura Bayfield, 20. Kennedy Tukuafu (co-captain), 21. Iritana Hohaia, 22. Amy du Plessis, 23. Ayesha Leti-I'iga.