Black Ferns named to play France in Rugby World Cup Bronze Final

Loose forward Jorja Miller and winger Braxton Sorensen-McGee have been named to start following their recent award nominations as World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year and Women’s 15s Player of the Year. Lock Laura Bayfield also returns and earns a starting spot, while Katelyn Vahaakolo has been named in the 23, and will be celebrating her 20th Test milestone.   

In the starting XV, the front row consists of props Chryss Viliko, Tanya Kalounivale and hooker Georgia Ponsonby, while Bayfield starts at lock alongside Maiakawanakaulani Roos. The loose forward trio will see Liana Mikaele-Tu’u retain her spot in flanker joined by Miller and Kaipo Olsen-Baker in the no.8 jersey.  

The backline combinations remain unchanged with Risaleaana Pouri-Lane and captain Ruahei Demant starting in the halves. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt and Stacey Waaka combine in the midfield with Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and Sorensen-McGee playing on the wings. Renee Holmes rounds out the starting XV at fullback.   

Vici-Rose Green and Awhina Tangen-Wainohu re-join the 23 alongside Amy Rule, Alana Bremner, Layla Sae, Maia Joseph, Theresa Setefano and Vahaakolo.  

Director of Performance Allan Bunting said the team are focused on the game ahead.   

“We’ve been gifted another opportunity to turn things around for our nation and I know the team will do everything they can to finish this campaign strong. The team have connected well this week, and we are determined to put out a performance that we’re proud of,” Bunting said. 

“This will be last showing for our 2025 Black Ferns so on behalf of the entire group I’d like to thank all our supporters and new fans for the aroha you’ve shown us here in England and back home. We really appreciate all the messages of support for our wāhine.”  

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).