Star winger Ruby Tui is back in the Black Ferns' line-up after being named to start against France in New Zealand's first WXV Test on Saturday.
Tui has reclaimed the No.14 jersey for her first Black Ferns Test of the year after taking a contracted sabbatical from New Zealand rugby earlier this year to play rugby sevens in the United States.
Tui is one of just two changes to coach Allan Bunting's starting XV from their 43-3 win over the Wallaroos last month with Renee Holmes also slotting back into the run-on side at fullback after recovering from a shoulder injury.
Bunting has also opted for three changes to the bench for the fixture in Wellington, bringing in Chelsea Bremner as the reserve lock while Ariana Bayler will provide relief at halfback. Holmes' inclusion in the starting XV sees Patricia Maliepo move to the 22 jersey as utility back cover.
The match will be the first between the two top women's rugby nations since last year's dramatic Rugby World Cup semifinal in which the Chanticleers came up short 24-25 after missing a last-minute penalty goal.
Thirteen Black Ferns, including co-captain Kennedy Simon, from that match will line-up against France again on Saturday.
“France is an incredible team; they have continued to impress in their performances over the last twelve months," co-captain Kennedy Simon said.
"We are under no illusion of the challenge we are up against. We know they are fit, fast and are a menace over the ball.
"However, we also know that as a team we have the talent to exploit space, ability to pressure their attacking systems and trust in our teammates to work tirelessly for one another."
Simon added it will be a privilege to be the first hosts of the new WXV 1 tournament.
"It is an amazing opportunity to be playing the best teams in the Northern Hemisphere," she said.
"To top it off playing at home in front of our whanau and exceptional fans, is extremely special. We can’t wait to get out there, put on a spectacle and make them proud."
Black Ferns team to play France in WXV 1 at Sky Stadium in Wellington at 7pm on Saturday NZT is:
1. Krystal Murray, 2. Georgia Ponsonby, 3. Amy Rule, 4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 5. Charmaine Smith, 6. Alana Bremner, 7. Kennedy Simon [CC], 8. Liana Mikaele Tu'u, 9. Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu, 10. Ruahei Demant [CC], 11. Katelyn Vahaakolo, 12. Sylvia Brunt, 13. Amy du Plessis, 14. Ruby Tui, 15. Renee Holmes
Reserves: 16. Luka Connor, 17. Chryss Viliko, 18. Tanya Kalounivale, 19. Chelsea Bremner, 20. Lucy Jenkins, 21. Ariana Bayler, 22. Patricia Maliepo, 23. Martha Mataele
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