Black Ferns named for final Test of the year against France
Fans in Aotearoa will have one last chance in 2026 to get behind the Black Ferns as they take on France at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch, with kick-off this Saturday, October 31 at 7.10pm NZDT.
The match marks the final of three home Tests to wrap up the WXV Global Series, proudly supported by the New Zealand Government’s Events Boost Fund.
Black Ferns team v France
(Test caps bracketed)
1. Chryss Viliko (28)
2. Georgia Ponsonby (47)
3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (13)
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (48)
5. Laura Bayfield (14)
6. Mia Anderson (7)
7. Elinor-Plum King (6)
8. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (45)
9. Maia Joseph (26)
10. Ruahei Demant (58) – captain
11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga (38)
12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (39)
13. Amy Du Plessis (31)
14. Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a (5)
15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee (16)
RESERVES
16. Vici-Rose Green (11)
17. Maddison Robinson (9)
18. Santo Taumata (13)
19. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (17)
20. Amarante Sititi (4)
21. Ariana Bayler (9)
22. Hannah King (20)
23. Mererangi Paul (23)
Unavailable due to injury: Atlanta Lolohea (ankle), Tara Turner (concussion), Kaipo Olsen-Baker (ankle).
12 changes to Black Ferns match-day 23
Black Ferns Head Coach Whitney Hansen has made 12 changes to her match-day 23 that faced France in Whangārei last weekend, with nine in the starting line-up.
In the forwards, locks Maiakawanakaulani Roos moves from the bench to the starting XV, Laura Bayfield shifts from loosehead to tighthead lock, and Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu will look to create impact off the bench.
Mia Anderson and Elinor-Plum King return to the starting line-up and Liana Mikaele-Tu’u rounds out the loose forward trio starting in the no.8 jersey. Earlier this week, Elinor-Plum King was nominated for World Rugby’s Breakthrough 15s Player of the Year.
In the backline, Maia Joseph starts at halfback after coming off the bench last week, with captain Ruahei Demant retaining the no.10 jersey. Ayesha Leti-I’iga moves from the bench to start on the wing, Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a switches to the opposite wing, both will be looking to bring pace, while Amy Du Plessis is named in the midfield. Mererangi Paul moves to the bench.
Ariana Bayler, who joined the squad this week as an injury replacement for Tara Turner, is named at halfback on the bench.
Whitney Hansen on the final Black Ferns Test of the year
“This Saturday is the final opportunity to get behind the Black Ferns, and we encourage fans to arrive early to witness rugby’s future stars in New Zealand’s first-ever U21 women’s fixture against Australia.
“On behalf of the team, I want to thank everyone who has supported us throughout what has been our biggest year yet. To finish the year playing in front of our fans, on home soil in Ōtautahi, is a privilege. We don’t take that support for granted, and we’re determined to put on a performance that we can be proud of.”
Watch the match LIVE on Sky Sport with highlights available on Black Ferns YouTube, 48 hours after the final whistle.
