Black Ferns team to play Australia is (Test caps in brackets);
1. Chryss Viliko (5)
2. Georgia Ponsonby (23)
3. Tanya Kalounivale (13)
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (24)
5. Alana Bremner (20)
6. Liana Mikaele Tu'u (21)
7. Layla Sae (6)
8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (5)
9. Maia Joseph (3)
10. Hannah King (2)
11. Katelyn Vahaakolo (9)
12. Ruahei Demant (36) (C)
13. Logo-i-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt (16)
14. Ruby Tui (15)
15. Renee Holmes (17)
16. Atlanta Lolohea*
17. Pip Love (27)
18. Amy Rule (22)
19. Chelsea Bremner (18)
20. Lucy Jenkins (6)
21. Iritana Hohaia (9)
22. Monica Tagoai (2)
23. Mererangi Paul (8)
*Denotes Black Ferns debut.
Exciting selection changes have been made to the playing squad, with Black Ferns Director of Rugby Allan Bunting and his assistants demonstrating the depth of talent within the squad.
“We have a competitive group of wāhine in our environment and this has been a difficult selection which is what we want, that is reflected in our named twenty-three. We welcome those players back to the fold, as a coaching group we want to ensure that this group continues to build on our last performance,” said Bunting.
Matatū hooker Atlanta Lolohea is set to make her Black Ferns debut off the bench, while midfielder Monica Tagoai makes her Black Ferns return, in her first Test since 2018. The Black Ferns welcome the return of experienced loosehead prop Pip Love, lock Chelsea Bremner and loose forward Lucy Jenkins who have been named in the team for the first time this season.
Bunting congratulated Tagoai and Lolohea on their selection.
“It will be a special moment for Atlanta and Monica on Sunday. Both have worked diligently and shown great dedication and patience. It is awesome to be able to reward them with this opportunity.”
“It will be a proud moment for Atlanta and the Lolohea whānau, it is a special occasion to debut for your country, and we are looking forward to seeing her enjoy it.”
“Monica’s commitment and perseverance to make her return to the Black Ferns environment hasn’t gone unnoticed. We look forward to her taking the field once again in the Black Ferns jersey,” said Bunting.
A powerful forward pack will take the field with loosehead prop Chryss Viliko, hooker Georgia Ponsonby and tighthead prop Tanya Kalounivale packing down in the front row. An unchanged locking combination of Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Alana Bremner round out the tight five. A blockbusting loose forward trio of Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Layla Sae and Kaipo Olsen-Baker at number eight remains.
In the backline, Maia Joseph and Hannah King earn the start in the halves, with Black Ferns Captain Ruahei Demant shifting to the midfield to combine with her Auckland and Blues teammate Sylvia Brunt. A formidable back three will take the field, with Katelyn Vahaakolo on the left wing, Rugby Tui on the right, and Renee Holmes named to start at fullback.
On the reserves bench there is no shortage of experience. Joining Love, Bremner, Jenkins and Tagoai on the bench, tighthead prop Amy Rule, alongside backs Iritana Hohaia and Mererangi Paul will provide an impact when injected into the game.
Bunting said the team is ready for a confident Australian side.
“The Wallaroos had a strong performance against Fiji last weekend and we know they will be wanting a different outcome to our last meeting. We are prepared and ready for the challenge we face in front of a vocal Brisbane crowd.”