Black Ferns coach Allan Bunting has made seven personnel changes to his starting line-up and a couple of key positional switches, as the reigning world champions try to rebound from their shock setback against Ireland in their WXV 1 opener.
The NZ women face world No.1 England at Langley, British Columbia, on Monday morning (NZ time), still reeling from their 29-27 loss to the 13th-ranked Irish and now desperate to reverse back-to-back defeats against the Roses.
Searching for a line-up to test the English, Bunting has replaced his entire front row, with Alana Bremner replacing sister Chelsea at lock. Outstanding loose forward Liana Mikaele-Tu'u moves from No.8 to blindside, with Kaipo Olsen-Baker installed at the back of the scrum.
Co-captain Ruahei Demant into the midfield to cover the absence of concussed Amy du Plessis, with Hannah KIng taking the No.10 jersey, and winger Ruby Tui has been dropped to the bench, replaced by Ayesha Leti-I'iga.
"We have been through some real adversity and have taken some critical learnings as a whole group," said Bunting. "I have been very impressed with how quickly our wāhine have bounced back on task.
"We wanted more quality Test matches and we are certainly getting that. Once again, we have the opportunity to play England this week and I know there is a real desire to put on a performance we are proud of."
The English saw their record winning streak broken in the 2022 World Cup final at Eden Park, but had their revenge with a 33-12 romp in the inaugural WXV format last November, before a 24-12 win at Twickenham last month.
Brunt, 20, will bring up 20 Tests for New Zealand, since debuting against Canada in the Pacific Four series two years ago.
"Sylvia is an authentic player, her skill, power, and agility is special, and she is developing into a great player," said Bunting. "To see her growth as an individual, both on and off the field, is credit to her dedication to this jersey."
Black Ferns: 1. Chryss Viliko, 2. Georgia Ponsonby, 3. Tanya Kalounivale, 4. Alana Bremner, 5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 6. Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, 7. Kennedy Tukuafu, 8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker, 9. Maia Joseph, 10. Hannah King, 11. Katelyn Vahaakolo, 12. Ruahei Demant, 13. Sylvia Brunt, 14. Ayesha Leti-I'iga, 15. Renee Holmes
Reserves: 16. Atlanta Lolohea, 17. Kate Henwood, 18. Amy Rule, 19. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, 20. Layla Sae, 21. Iritana Hohaia, 22. Mererangi Paul, 23. Ruby Tui
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