Black Ferns team named to play Scotland
Black Ferns selectors of Head Coach Whitney Hansen and Assistant Coaches Riki Flutey, Tony Christie and Simon Kneebone have selected their match-day 23 to take on Scotland this Saturday, September 19, 5.10pm BST (Sunday, September 20, 4.10am NZT).
The match will be played at Hive Stadium in Edinburgh marking the second Northern Hemisphere Test of the WXV Global Series campaign broadcast live on Sky Sport 1. Follow the Live Blog HERE.
Black Ferns team named v Scotland
(Test caps bracketed, *denotes debut)
Maddison Robinson (6)
Georgia Ponsonby (43) - captain
Mo’omo’oga Palu (1)
Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (13)
Laura Bayfield (11)
Layla Sae (20)
Elinor-Plum King (3)
Mia Anderson (6)
Tara Turner (5)
Hannah King (16)
Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a (2)
Alena Saili (6)
Amy Du Plessis (28)
Justine McGregor (5)
Braxton Sorensen-McGee (12)
Vici-Rose Green (8)
Ngano Tavake*
Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (9)
Maiakawanakaulani Roos (44)
Amarante Sititi (2)
Maia Joseph (22)
Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (35)
Maia Davis*
Unavailable due to injury: Kaipo Olsen-Baker (shoulder), Ayesha Leti-I’iga (calf).
Prop Ngano Tavake and fullback Maia Davis are in-line to make their Black Ferns debuts after being named in the match-day 23, both providing fresh impact off the bench.
A host of changes have also been made to the starting XV. The front row will see props Maddison Robinson and Mo’omo’oga Palu start with captain Georgia Ponsonby at hooker.
The locking duo will see Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu and Laura Bayfield, while loose forwards Layla Sae and Elinor-Plum King have been named along with Mia Anderson in the no. 8 jersey.
In the backline, halfback Tara Turner starts alongside first five-eighth Hannah King, with the combination of Alena Saili and Amy Du Plessis in the midfield. Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a earns a starting spot alongside Justine McGregor on the wings, with Braxton Sorensen-McGee in fullback.
Vici-Rose Green, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Amarante Sititi, Maia Joseph and Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt join Tavake and Davis on the bench.
WATCH: Catch up on the latest news from the Black Ferns camp in Edinburg
Black Ferns Head Coach Whitney Hansen
“While this campaign is certainly about growing continuity and connections, the match against Scotland presents an exciting opportunity for some new talent to experience of Test rugby. I want to congratulate Ngano and Maia on being named to make their Black Ferns debut, it will be a special moment for them and their whānau.
“Ngano’s actions speak louder than her words. She’s incredibly humble, hardworking and has continued to impress us with what she brings to the group, both on and off the field.
“Maia is a talented athlete, and we’ve all loved supporting her growth in this environment. She has so much to offer this team, both now and into the future, and this is just the beginning of something special for her and for us.”
Watch: Black Ferns v Scotland Women's Rugby World Cup 2021 (played in 2022)
WXV Global Series
Click here for information on the WXV Global Series and for the Black Ferns v Scotland post match highlights (made available 48 hours after the match).
