Black Ferns coaches have selected their match-day 23 to play South Africa this Saturday, 14:00 (SA Time) at Sandy Park in Exeter.
The Black Ferns match-day 23 welcomes back loose forward Kaipo Olsen-Baker, starting in the no. 8 jersey, and centre Amy du Plessis off the bench as they return from injuries sustained in round one of pool play. Stacey Waaka has also been named to start in her 30th Test milestone.
In the starting XV, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu has been named at tighthead prop alongside loosehead prop Chryss Viliko and hooker Georgia Ponsonby. Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Alana Bremner retain their spots in starting locks, while the loose forward trio comprises of Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Jorja Miller and Olsen-Baker.
In the backline, halfback Maia Joseph will join co-captain Ruahei Demant in the halves, while the veteran duo of Theresa Setefano and Waaka cover the midfield.
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe has been named on the wing alongside Braxton Sorensen-McGee, who scored back-to-back hat-tricks v Ireland and Japan. She’s currently the tournament’s top point scorer on 38 points. Following her standout performance against Ireland, Renee Holmes rounds out the starting XV at fullback.
Atlanta Lolohea, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Kate Henwood, Laura Bayfield, co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu, Iritana Hohaia, du Plessis and Ayesha Leti-I’iga have been named as reinforcements.
Black Ferns Director of Performance Allan Bunting said the team have taken away key learnings from the Ireland Test and looks to continue building.
“This match against South Africa means a lot to us, it’s a final, and we are also aware of what this game means to South Africa. We have selected our strongest available 23,” Bunting said.
“It’s also important to mention the fans who travel near and far to support the Black Ferns, including our whānau (family). We feel and appreciate the continuous support for our wāhine (women).”
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sport 1 in New Zealand with highlights available on NZR+ and Black Ferns YouTube (four hours following the final whistle).
Black Ferns team v South Africa (Test caps): 1. Chryss Viliko (16), 2. Georgia Ponsonby (34), 3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (2), 4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (35), 5. Alana Bremner (32), 6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (32), 7. Jorja Miller (5), 8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (13), 9. Maia Joseph (13), 10. Ruahei Demant (48) – co-captain, 11. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (31), 12. Theresa Setefano (22), 13. Stacey Waaka (29), 14. Braxton Sorensen-McGee (6), 15. Renee Holmes (26). Replacements: 16. Atlanta Lolohea (8), 17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu (8), 18. Kate Henwood (12), 19. Laura Bayfield (4), 20. Kennedy Tukuafu (32) – co-captain, 21. Iritana Hohaia (18), 22. Amy du Plessis (22), 23. Ayesha Leti-I’iga (28).
Unavailable due to injury: Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (head).