The Black Ferns have named their match-day 23, featuring the return of standout winger Ayesha Leti-I’iga to play England in the opening Test of their end of year tour at Allianz Stadium in London.
The Black Ferns, have been focused on preparing for their end of year tour since the naming of their squad in early August.
Black Ferns Director of Rugby Allan Bunting said it will be a great test for the team to play at Twickenham.
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“Our wāhine have been working diligently for this game for some time now. We want them to play with freedom, but most importantly, enjoy the occasion and embrace the opportunity to play at Allianz Stadium,” said Bunting.
Leti-I'iga will return for the first time since her standout performance in the 2021 Rugby World Cup Final, played in 2022.
Having now recovered from an ACL injury sustained in June last year, the coaching group are excited to see what she will achieve when she returns to the field this weekend.
Joining Leti-I’iga back in the match day 23 is a selection of other formidable players returning from injury including recently married Black Ferns Co-Captain Kennedy Tukuafu (nee Simon), influential prop Kate Henwood and young lock Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu.
“We are privileged to be able to select a strong 23. We welcome back some special players from injury; Ayesha, Kennedy, Kate and Maama. Ayesha’s energy is contagious, she is lethal both sides of the ball, and has worked hard to be here, it will be awesome seeing her back out there.
We will also value having Kennedy back, her leadership, experience and physicality is invaluable. It’s great we have Kate and Maama coming off the bench, they will both play an important role when injected into the game,” said Bunting.
A dominant front row of loosehead prop Chryss Viliko, hooker Georgia Ponsonby and tighthead prop Tanya Kalounivale has been named to start, alongside the experienced locking duo of Alana Bremner and Maiakawanakaulani Roos.
The loose forwards are Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Black Ferns co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu (nee Simon) and powerful number 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker will combine once again to round out a formidable forward pack.
In the backs, halfback Maia Joseph and first five-eighth Hannah King are set to start together for only the second time, alongside experienced co-captain Ruahei Demant at second five-eighth and skilful centre Logo-i-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt.
The back three will see Katelyn Vahaakolo start on the left wing, Rugby World Cup standout Leti-I'iga return to start on the right wing and Renee Holmes round out the backline.
Hooker Atlanta Lolohea, loosehead prop Henwood and tighthead prop Amy Rule have been named as the replacement front row. Vaipulu and loose forward Layla Sae will inject plenty of energy off the bench in jerseys 19 and 20. An exciting selection of backs will include hardworking halfback Iritana Hohaia, midfielder Amy du Plessis and playmaker Ruby Tui.
This will be the 32nd Test between the teams, having first met in 1997, the Black Ferns have won 19, drawn one and lost 11. 2023 was the last time the two sides met at the inaugural WXV1 in New Zealand, which the Black Ferns lost 12-33.
Black Ferns: Renee Holmes, Ayesha Leti-I'iga, Sylvia Brunt, Ruahei Demant (co-capt), Katelyn Vahaakolo, Hannah King, Maia Joseph; Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Kennedy Tukuafu (co-capt), Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Alana Bremner, Tanya Kalounivale, Georgia Ponsonby, Chryss Viliko. Reserves: Atlanta Lolohea, Kate Henwood, Amy Rule, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Layla Sae, Iritana Hohaia. Amy du Plessis, Ruby Tui.