Chiefs Manawa front rowers Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu and Vici-Rose Green along with sevens stars Jorja Miller and Risaleaana Pouri-Lane are among the match-day 23.
Black Ferns Director of Performance Allan Bunting said he is excited to provide them with the opportunity.
“We are delighted to see our four players get a chance to don this black jersey for the first time. This is going to be a special moment for them to play in front of their whānau and friends. Veisinia and Vici-Rose have been with us since our first training camp. They have worked hard and done the learning, while showing their commitment to the team by helping them prepare for the last two Tests. It’s now their time.
“Jorja and Risaleaana, who joined us last week following their successful sevens World Series campaign, have slotted in seamlessly. They are great humans and diligent athletes, we look forward to watching them do their thing this weekend,” Bunting said.
The starting XV will see eight changes to the side that drew with Canada last weekend.
In the front row, prop Mahutariki-Fakalelu will start alongside Kate Henwood and hooker Georgia Ponsonby celebrates her 30th Test milestone. The locking duo of Alana Bremner and Maiakawanakaulani Roos remains the same, while Jorja Miller creates a fierce loose forward trio alongside Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and Kaipo Olsen-Baker.
The backline will see Pouri-Lane start in halfback alongside Co-captain Ruahei Demant in the number 10 jersey. Theresa Setefano and Stacey Waaka will combine in the midfield for their first Test since starring in the Rugby World Cup Final in 2022, while an all-Blues back three of Katelyn Vahaakolo, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and Braxton Sorensen-McGee round out the starting XV.
Green is in line for her debut off the bench alongside fellow front rowers Awhina Tangen-Wainohu and Tanya Kalounivale. Chelsea Bremner, called into the squad last week as injury cover will get her opportunity off the bench, while Co-Captain Kennedy Tukuafu will celebrate her 30th Test. Maia Joseph, Hannah King and Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt have also been named as impact.
The Black Ferns currently lead the PAC4 standings on points difference. All eyes will be on the number of points scored to decide who takes home the trophy.
“Last weekend was a great test for our team at this point of our journey. We were gifted a few key lessons against a quality Canadian side, but we are content with how we are tracking and clear on the areas we need to be better in.
“PAC4 has been a valuable start for us moving into World Cup preparations. We’ve laid down the foundations and built stronger connections on and off the field. On behalf of the team, I’d like to thank everyone for their unwavering support, and we look forward to seeing you all in the stands this Saturday,” Bunting said.
1. Kate Henwood
2. Georgia Ponsonby
3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu*
4. Alana Bremner
5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos
6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u
7. Jorja Miller*
8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker
9. Risaleaana Pouri-Lane*
10. Ruahei Demant (cc)
11. Katelyn Vahaakolo
12. Theresa Setefano
13. Stacey Waaka
14. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe
15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee
16. Vici-Rose Green*
17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu
18. Tanya Kalounivale
19. Chelsea Bremner
20. Kennedy Tukuafu (cc)
21. Maia Joseph
22. Hannah King
23. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt
Key facts:
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Four Black Fern debutants have been named to play against USA.
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Black Ferns Co-Captain Kennedy Tukuafu and Georgia Ponsonby will play their 30th Test match.
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Black Ferns lead the PAC4 standings on points difference and need a big win over USA to take out the series.
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Portia Woodman-Wickliffe is also two tries away from reaching 200 points in a Black Ferns Test match to become only the third Black Fern to reach that milestone.
Black Ferns timeline:
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May 24 - Black Ferns v USA, 3.35pm NZT kick-off | North Harbour Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand – BUY TICKETS