Black Ferns named to face Australia in O’Reilly Cup presented by Bupa

· ALLBLACKS.COM
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Black Ferns selectors have named their match-day 23 to play Australia in the O’Reilly Cup presented by Bupa Test match infront of a sold out crowd at Sky Stadium, Wellington on Saturday, July 12, 4.30pm kick-off.

Matatū lock Laura Bayfield is in line for her Black Ferns debut off the bench following an impressive performance for the Black Ferns XV in Whangārei last weekend. Black Ferns stalwart Kelly Brazier will play in her first Test since 2021, bringing over 15 years of experience to the team. 

Black Ferns Director of Performance Allan Bunting said both Bayfield and Brazier have earned this weekend’s opportunities based on hard work.  

“Laura was a standout throughout Sky Super Rugby Aupiki this year and has put in the work. She topped all stats for the Black Ferns XV in Whangārei and deserves her opportunity to debut this weekend. It’s going to be a proud moment for Laura and her whānau. It has also been great having Kelly in the July Series squad, her experience has really added to our depth at 10,” Bunting said.   

The starting XV sees Georgia Ponsonby anchor the scrum alongside props Chryss Viliko and Tanya Kalounivale. Chelsea Bremner and Maiakawanakaulani Roos make up the locking duo, while co-captain Alana Bremner shifts to the loose forwards with Jorja Miller and Liana Mikaele-Tu’u.  

The backline sees Risaleaana Pouri-Lane start at halfback alongside co-captain Ruahei Demant in the number 10 jersey. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt and Stacey Waaka combine in the midfield with Katelyn Vahaakolo and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe on the wings.  Renee Holmes starts her first Test of the year at fullback rounding out the starting XV.  

After being recalled into the squad earlier this week as injury cover, Ruby Tui will celebrate her 20th Test off the bench alongside Amy Rule who celebrates her 30th Test, Vici-Rose Green, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Layla Sae and Iritiana Hohaia.  

Saturday will be the last chance for fans to watch the reigning world champions on home soil.  

“We’re really looking forward to playing in front of our whānau and friends on Saturday. I want to take the time to thank everyone for coming out to support our home games this year. Your continued support is incredibly valuable to us as we embark on our Rugby World Cup journey in England next month,” Bunting said.  

The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sport 1 and highlights available on NZR+.  

O’Reilly Cup presented by Bupa Test match: Black Ferns v Australia  

 

1. Chryss Viliko 

2. Georgia Ponsonby 

3. Tanya Kalounivale 

4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos 

5. Chelsea Bremner 

6. Alana Bremner (cc)  

7. Jorja Miller 

8. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u 

9. Risaleaana Pouri-Lane 

10. Ruahei Demant (cc) 

11. Katelyn Vahaakolo 

12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai’i Sylvia Brunt 

13. Stacey Waaka 

14. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe   

15. Renee Holmes 

  

16. Vici-Rose Green 

17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu 

18. Amy Rule 

19. Laura Bayfield* 

20. Layla Sae 

21. Iritana Hohaia 

22. Kelly Brazier 

23. Ruby Tui  

*denotes debut  

 

Unavailable due to injury:  

Kate Henwood (ankle), Ayesha Leti-I’iga (hammy), Amy du Plessis (hammy), Maia Joseph (hammy), Braxton Sorensen-McGee (hip).  

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