The Black Ferns have made a number of changes to their matchday 23 to take on France in their final Test of the WXV1 tournament in Vancouver.
Following last weekend’s 49-31 loss to England, the Black Ferns have made a string of changes to their 23.
The Black Ferns will want to avoid their fourth Test loss in a row, and this is seemingly one of their last meaningful matches ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup.
Hooker Georgia Ponsonby anchors the scrum once again, and will be joined by loosehead prop Kate Henwood and tighthead prop Amy Rule in the starting front row. Chryss Viliko and Tanya Kalounivale have been named as the reinforcements on the bench, alongside Atlanta Lolohea.
Loose forward Layla Sae has been given the opportunity to start at openside, with Kennedy Tukuafu named in jersey 20. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and Kaipo Olsen-Baker remain unchanged at blindside and number eight.
Iritana Hohaia will start for the first time this tour, combining with Hannah King in the halves. The Black Ferns midfield duo of co-captain Ruahei Demant and Sylvia Brunt remains, alongside wingers Katelyn Vahaakolo and Ayesha Leti-I'iga. Versatile back Mererangi Paul will start at fullback to round out the starting 15.
Utility back Patricia Maliepo has earned a spot for the first time during the end of year tour, named in jersey 22.
Black Ferns coach Allan Bunting said France will provide another strong challenge.
"Our group are determined to finish well this weekend. We have been through some challenging times; we’ve seen progression in certain areas of our game, but we need to be more accurate and consistent across the park," said Bunting.
"Collectively we have shifted onto France, who we know can be a formidable and unpredictable side. Fortunately, we get another opportunity this week to show all the hard work we have been doing."
This will be the 12th Test match between the two sides, with the Black Ferns winning six of those encounters. France came out on top in their most recent match last year in Wellington winning 18-17.
The last time the Black Ferns beat France was in 2022 in the Rugby World Cup semifinal at Eden Park in Auckland where they also just won by a point 25-24.
The Black Ferns are currently fifth out of six teams on the WXV1 table with two points with France are above them in fourth on five points. England lead the table with 10 points.
Kick off against France is on Sunday at 11:45am.
Black Ferns team to play France:
1. Kate Henwood, 2. Georgia Ponsonby, 3. Amy Rule, 4. Alana Bremner, 5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 6. Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, 7. Layla Sae, 8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker, 9. Iritana Hohaia, 10. Hannah King, 11. Katelyn Vahaakolo, 12. Ruahei Demant (Co-Captain), 13. Sylvia Brunt, 14. Ayesha Leti-I'iga, 15. Mererangi Paul
Reserves: 16. Atlanta Lolohea, 17. Chryss Viliko, 18. Tanya Kalounivale, 19. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, 20. Kennedy Tukuafu (Co-Captain), 21. Maia Joseph, 22. Patricia Maliepo, 23. Renee Holmes
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