Black Ferns team named to play England

A crowd of more than 50,000 fans are expected at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday afternoon as the Black Ferns take on the Red Roses in one of the biggest women’s rugby Tests of the year. 

The match will be the Black Ferns’ final Test of the WXV Global Series in the Northern Hemisphere, kicking off at 3.00pm BST (Sunday, 3.00am NZT) and broadcast live on Sky Sport 1.

Black Ferns Head Coach Whitney Hansen has named her strong match-day 23 which sees the return of loose forward Kaipo Olsen-Baker, winger Ayesha Leti-I’iga and lock Laura Bayfield.

Black Ferns team v England

Test caps (bracketed) 

1. Chryss Viliko (25) 

2. Georgia Ponsonby (44) - captain

3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (10) 

4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (45) 

5. Laura Bayfield (11) 

6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (42)

7. Elinor-Plum King (4) 

8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (20) 

9. Maia Joseph (23)

10.  Hannah King (17)

11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga (35)

12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (36)

13. Amy Du Plessis (29)

14. Mererangi Paul (20)

15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee (13)

16. Atlanta Lolohea (13) 

17. Maddison Robinson (7)

18. Santo Taumata (10)

19. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (14) 

20. Layla Sae (21) 

21. Tara Turner (6) 

22. Justine McGregor (6) 

23. Alena Saili (7)

Unavailable due to injury: Mia Anderson (calf)

Black Ferns Head Coach Whitney Hansen said:

“Our players are built different, we’re made for these moments. We’ve continued to grow each week and we’re excited to put our rugby identity to the test against England, who are currently number one in the world. 

“On behalf of the Black Ferns, I’d like to thank all our supporters both in-stadium and back home who have tuned in during the early hours to support us throughout this campaign. We feel your aroha (love) and it’s hugely appreciated. We are also looking forward to seeing you all at our home French Test series in October.”

Watch: Black Ferns preview England clash

Tara Turner rewarded after Scotland performance

The front row will see loosehead prop Chyrss Viliko and tighthead prop Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu start with captain Georgia Ponsonby anchoring the scrum at hooker. 

Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Bayfield have been named as the locking duo, while loose forwards Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Elinor Plum-King and Kaipo Olsen-Baker combine rounding out a formidable forward pack.

Halfback Maia Joseph and first five-eighth Hannah King will start, alongside the midfield combination of Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atati’i Sylvia Brunt and Amy Du Plessis. Leti-I’iga and Mererangi Paul look to bring pace on the wings along with Braxton Sorensen-McGee at fullback.  

Atlanta Lolohea (hooker), props Maddison Robinson and Santo Taumata, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (lock) and Layla Sae (loose forward) have been named as forward replacements.

Halfback Tara Turner who was named Player of the Match against Scotland last Saturday joins Justine McGregor and Alena Saili as backs cover.

Highlights of the match will be available to watch at blackferns.com and Black Ferns You Tube 48 hours after the game.

Watch: Black Ferns v England, RWC 2021 Final