Teenager to debut for Black Ferns
- Dave Worsley
- May 8
- 2 min read
Auckland teenager Braxton Sorensen-McGee will debut for the Black Ferns in the Paciific Four Series on Saturday against Australia.
The 18-year-old will start at fullback as the only debutant in her Black Ferns, while loosehead prop Awhina Tangen-Wainohu makes a return to the black jersey off the bench in her first Test since the Rugby World Cup 2022.
Black Ferns Director of Performance Allan Bunting said he is impressed with how Sorensen-McGee has conducted herself in camp.
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“We’re super excited for Braxton and we are looking forward to seeing her in the black jersey, it’s going to be a proud moment for her and her whānau,” said Bunting.
“Selections have been awarded on consistent form through Sky Super Rugby Aupiki and we are allowing more time for players who weren’t selected to learn and settle into our environment. I've also been really impressed with the attitude within our group.”
Hooker Georgia Ponsonby anchors the scrum alongside props Chryss Viliko and Tanya Kalounivale. Alana Bremner and Maiakawanakaulani Roos make up the locking duo, while co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu and Layla Sae have been named in the loose forwards. Kaipo Olsen-Baker, last year’s Black Ferns Player of the Year, completes the strong forward pack at No.8.
In the backs, co-captain Ruahei Demant (first five-eighth) and halfback Maia Joseph start together, combining with Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt and Amy du Plessis in the midfield. Wingers Ayesha Leti-I’iga and Katelyn Vahaakolo will bring pace and power on the wings with Sorensen-McGee rounding out the starting team.
Atlanta Lolohea, Amy Rule, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Dhys Faleafaga, Iritana Hohaia, Hannah King and Mererangi Paul have been named as reinforcements.
Saturday will also see Roos and du Plessis running out for milestone Test matches. Roos will celebrate her 30th Test match and du Plessis reaches 20.
The upcoming PAC4 match is the first to be played in 2025 for the Laurie O’Reilly Cup, honouring the legacy O’Reilly created for the women’s game in Aotearoa.
“This week is important to us, Laurie O’Reilly pathed the way for women’s rugby through some tough times in Aotearoa. We know Australia will be a great challenge at this stage of our journey and we want to ensure that we have a strong start to our campaign. The focus lies with us, deepening our connections and playing our game as we continue to build throughout PAC4,” said Bunting.
Black Ferns: Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Amy du Plessis, Sylvia Brunt, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Ruahei Demant (co-capt), Maia Joseph; Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Kennedy Tukuafu (co-capt), Layla Sae, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Alana Bremner, Tanya Kalounivale, Georgia Ponsonby, Chryss Viliko. Reserves: Atlanta Lolohea, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Amy Rule, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Dhys Faleafaga, Iritana Hohaia, Hannah King, Mererangi Paul.
