The side will see 11 changes from the starting XV that defeated Australia in Wellington, with halfback Maia Joseph, centre Amy du Plessis and outside backs Ayesha Leti-I’iga and Braxton Sorensen McGee returning from injury. Kaipo Olsen-Baker also returns to the action off the bench.
In the front row, Vici-Rose Green anchors the scrum alongside props Awhina Tangen-Wainohu and Amy Rule. Alana Bremner picks up co-captaincy duties in absence of Kennedy Tukuafu and runs out for her 30th Test match beside her sister Chelsea Bremner in the locks. Layla Sae and Jorja Miller will start in the loose forwards, while Liana Mikaele-Tu’u also celebrates her 30th Test milestone in the no. 8 jersey.
Black Ferns stalwart Kelly Brazier kickstarts her fourth World Cup campaign in the first five-eighth jersey alongside halfback Joseph. Theresa Setefano will mark her 20th Test in the midfield alongside Du Plessis, while Leti-I’iga and Sorensen-McGee look to bring plenty of pace on the wings. Renee Holmes completes the starting XV at fullback.
An experienced bench sees Georgia Ponsonby, Chryss Viliko, Tanya Kalounivale, and Olsen-Baker named as forwards cover alongside recent debutant Laura Bayfield. Playmakers Ruahei Demant and Risaleaana Pouri-Lane, and winger Portia Woodman-Wickliffe are the remaining reinforcements.
Black Ferns Director of Performance Allan Bunting said the team have settled into England well and are ready to go.
“We’ve had a few days to acclimatise, enjoy the warmer weather in York before shifting our focus to the match against Spain. We believe the selected team will start our World Cup campaign strong. It’s going to be an absolute honour for our wāhine to walk out on that field and really stamp their mark,” Bunting said.
The last time the Black Ferns met Spain was in 1998 where they won 46-3 in a Rugby World Cup pool match in Amsterdam.
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sport 1 in New Zealand with highlights available on NZR+ and Black Ferns YouTube (post four-hour embargo).
Black Ferns team v Spain (Test caps):
- Awhina Tangen-Wainohu (7)
- Vici-Rose Green (2)
- Amy Rule (30)
- Alana Bremner (29) – Co-captain
- Chelsea Bremner (22)
- Layla Sae (14)
- Jorja Miller (2)
- Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (29)
- Maia Joseph (11)
- Kelly Brazier (43)
- Ayesha Leti-I’iga (26)
- Theresa Setefano (19)
- Amy du Plessis (21)
- Braxton Sorensen-McGee (3)
- Renee Holmes (23)
- Georgia Ponsonby (31)
- Chryss Viliko (13)
- Tanya Kalounivale (22)
- Laura Bayfield (1)
- Kaipo Olsen-Baker (12)
- Risaleaana Pouri-Lane (2)
- Ruahei Demant (45) – Co-captain
- Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (27)
Black Ferns facts:
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The last time the Black Ferns met with Spain was in 1998 where they won 46-3 in a World Cup pool match in Amsterdam.
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The Black Ferns have also faced Spain in an unofficial friendly in 1991, which ended in a 0-0 draw.
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Co-captain Alana Bremner and loose forward Liana Mikaele-Tu’u will celebrate their 30th Test match milestones.
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Centre Theresa Setefano runs out for her 20th Test milestone.
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Maia Joseph, Amy du Plessis, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Braxton Sorensen-McGee and Kaipo Olsen-Baker return from injury.
Black Ferns timeline:
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August 25 – Black Ferns v Spain, York Community Stadium, York, 4.30am (NZT) kick-off
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September 1 – Black ferns v Japan, Sandy Park, Exeter, 1.00am (NZT) kick-off
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September 8 – Black Ferns v Ireland, Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium, Brighton & Hove, 1.45am (NZT) kick-off
