Loose forward Kennedy Tukuafu makes a comeback and will start in her first Test since the Black Ferns played USA in the 2025 Pacific Four Series. While Tukuafu is still co-captain, Alana Bremner and Ruahei Demant will lead again this week to allow Tukuafu to focus on her return.
Prop Kate Henwood also returns from an ankle injury sustained in the July Series clash v the Black Ferns XV. She will make her World Cup debut off the bench alongside fellow World Cup debutants Katelyn Vahaakolo, Atlanta Lolohea, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu and Maia Joseph.
The starting XV will see props Chryss Viliko and Tanya Kalounivale start alongside hooker Georgia Ponsonby in the front row. Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Alana Bremner have been named in the locks. The forward pack is rounded out by the return of Tukuafu, who will line up alongside two of the standout performers from the Black Ferns opening game against Spain, Jorja Miller and Layla Sae.
Risaleaana Pouri-Lane and Demant start at halfback and five-eighth respectively, while Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt and Stacey Waaka will cover the midfield. Vahaakolo and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe will bring their signature speed to the outside backs when they combine with 18-year-old fullback Braxton Sorensen-McGee.
Fans who love to keep track of stats will have their eyes on Woodman-Wickliffe, as she sits one try away from becoming New Zealand’s all-time top try-scorer. If she scores in this game against Japan, she will become the first New Zealand rugby player, man or woman, to reach 50 international Test tries. She’s also celebrating her 30th Test milestone.
Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Player of the Match v Spain, will provide impact off the bench alongside remaining reinforcements Laura Bayfield, Renee Holmes and Theresa Setefano.
Black Ferns Director of Performance Allan Bunting said after a solid start to this World Cup campaign, the team are now focused on building strength and purpose against a Japanese side that will be putting everything they have into this next pool match.
“It's awesome to be here in Exeter and we have had a focused week of preparations. It’s great to have Kennedy and Kate back in the team. Their grit and determination to get to where they are, at a pinnacle event is a special moment for not only for them but the entire squad,” Bunting said
“Japan played well last week, they are well-coached, and we expect them to come out and throw everything at us. We’ve selected a team who we believe will rise to the occasion.”
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).
Black Ferns team v Japan (Test caps):
1. Chryss Viliko (14)
2. Georgia Ponsonby (32)
3. Tanya Kalounivale (23)
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (33)
5. Alana Bremner (30) – Co-captain
6. Jorja Miller (3)
7. Kennedy Tukuafu (30)
8. Layla Sae (15)
9. Risaleaana Pouri-Lane (3)
10. Ruahei Demant (46) – Co-captain
11. Katelyn Vahaakolo (17)
12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (25)
13. Stacey Waaka (27)
14. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (29)
15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee (4)
16. Atlanta Lolohea (7)
17. Kate Henwood (10)
18. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (1)
19. Laura Bayfield (2)
20. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (30)
21. Maia Joseph (11)
22. Renee Holmes (24)
23. Theresa Setefano (20)
Unavailable due to injury: Kaipo Olsen-Baker (ankle), Ayesha Leti-I’iga (ankle), Amy du Plessis (shoulder).
Black Ferns facts:
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The Black Ferns have only played Japan once in a Test match at Eden Park in 2022 and won 95-12.
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Kennedy Tukuafu and Kate Henwood return to the black jersey from injuries.
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Kate Henwood, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Atlanta Lolohea, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu and Maia Joseph will make their World Cup debut.
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Portia Woodman-Wickliffe could potentially be the top try-scorer of all-time across men’s and women’s rugby in New Zealand if she scores a try (50). She is also celebrating her 30th Test milestone.