Teenage sensation Braxton Sorensen-McGee will start at fullback in her Black Ferns debut, while loosehead prop Awhina Tangen-Wainohu makes a return to the black jersey off the bench in her first Test since the Rugby World Cup 2022.
Black Ferns Director of Performance Allan Bunting said he is impressed with how Sorensen-McGee has conducted herself in camp.
“We’re super excited for Braxton and we are looking forward to seeing her in the black jersey, it’s going to be a proud moment for her and her whānau,” Bunting said.
“Selections have been awarded on consistent form through Sky Super Rugby Aupiki and we are allowing more time for players who weren’t selected to learn and settle into our environment. I've also been really impressed with the attitude within our group.”
Hooker Georgia Ponsonby anchors the scrum alongside props Chryss Viliko and Tanya Kalounivale. Alana Bremner and Maiakawanakaulani Roos make up the locking duo, while co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu and Layla Sae have been named in the loose forwards. Kaipo Olsen-Baker, last year’s Black Ferns Player of the Year, completes the strong forward pack at no.8.
In the backs, co-captain Ruahei Demant (first five-eighth) and halfback Maia Joseph start together, combining with Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Syliva Brunt and Amy du Plessis in the midfield. Wingers Ayesha Leti-I’iga and Katelyn Vahaakolo will bring pace and power on the wings with Sorenson-McGee rounding out the starting team.
Atlanta Lolohea, Amy Rule, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Dhys Faleafaga, Iritana Hohaia, Hannah King and Mererangi Paul have been named as reinforcements.
Saturday will also see Roos and du Plessis running out for milestone Test matches. Roos will celebrate her 30th Test match and du Plessis reaches 20.
The upcoming PAC4 match is the first to be played in 2025 for the Laurie O’Reilly Cup, honouring the legacy O’Reilly created for the women’s game in Aotearoa.
“This week is important to us, Laurie O’Reilly pathed the way for women’s rugby through some tough times in Aotearoa. We know Australia will be a great challenge at this stage of our journey and we want to ensure that we have a strong start to our campaign. The focus lies with us, deepening our connections and playing our game as we continue to build throughout PAC4,” Bunting said.
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sport 1 and highlights available on NZR+.
Black Ferns v Australia
1. Chryss Viliko
2. Georgia Ponsonby
3. Tanya Kalounivale
4. Alana Bremner
5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos
6. Layla Sae
7. Kennedy Tukuafu (Co-captain)
8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker
9. Maia Joseph
10 . Ruahei Demant (Co-captain)
11. Katelyn Vahaakolo
12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt
13. Amy du Plessis
14. Ayesha Leti-I’iga
15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee*
16. Atlanta Lolohea
17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu
18. Amy Rule
19. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu
20. Dhys Faleafaga
21. Iritana Hohaia
22. Hannah King
23. Mererangi Paul
Key facts:
Braxton Sorensen-McGee is the only Black Ferns debutant in this match.
Maiakawanakaulani Roos is in-line to celebrate her 30th Test match alongside Amy du Plessis for her 20th Test.
This will be the 16th time the Laurie O’Reilly Cup has been contested, and the Black Ferns have an unbeaten run, winning every fixture to date.
Black Ferns timeline:
May 10 - Black Ferns v Australia, 5.00pm NZT kick-off | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, Australia – BUY TICKETS
May 14 – PAC4 accreditation applications close
May 17 - Black Ferns v Canada 3.35pm NZT kick-off | Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand – BUY TICKETS
May 24 - Black Ferns v USA, 3.35pm NZT kick-off | North Harbour Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand – BUY TICKETS
Player bio:
Braxton Sorensen-McGee
Date of birth: October 26, 2006
Position: Fullback
Province: Auckland
Sky Super Rugby Aupiki club: Blues
Black Ferns number: Uncapped
Braxton Sorensen-McGee is quickly becoming one of the brightest stars in New Zealand rugby. At just 18, she has already made significant strides in rugby union playing fullback for the Blues in Sky Super Rugby Aupiki and representing Auckland in the Farah Palmer Cup.
Her debut season with Auckland in 2023 was marked by a standout performance that earned her the Rookie of the Year award. In 2025, she made a lasting impression in her first season of Sky Super Rugby Aupiki including a runaway try in the final, helping the Blues to a 26-19 win over Matatū.