Black Ferns co-captain Ruahei Demant is set for her 50th Test cap starting at first five-eighth, and will celebrate this milestone alongside outside back Ayesha Leti-I’iga who will run out for her 30th Test off the bench.
Demant made her Black Ferns debut in 2018 against Australia and is a proud product of College Rifles Rugby Club and the Auckland Storm. In 2022, she was named Black Ferns captain for the Pacific Four Series, leading the team to Rugby World Cup glory later that year.
She will become the third most capped Black Fern, sitting behind former Black Ferns Kendra Cocksedge (68) and Fiao’o Fa’amausili (57).
Black Ferns Director of Performance Allan Bunting paid tribute to Demant’s leadership and attributes she brings to the team.
“Ruahei embodies mana and everything that a Black Fern should be through her authenticity. She has a calm but strong presence on the field, when Ruahei speaks she has powerful influence, her words and conviction connects our circle in a special way. She leads by example and empowers others around her. She is the poutokomanawa, heart and soul of the team. For Ruahei to run out this weekend alongside Ayesha playing her 30th Test will be special,” Bunting said.
“The impact both Ruahei and Ayesha have on this team, and the next generation is immense; they are truly inspirational wāhine toa.
“We are looking forward to this weekend and the challenge ahead, we are a different team, our game is in a different place and we have experience in pinnacle events under pressure.”
The starting XV will see the return of Tanya Kalounivale at tighthead prop alongside loosehead prop Chryss Viliko and hooker Georgia Ponsonby.
The locking duo of Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Alana Bremner remains, while co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu has been named to start in the loose forwards. She will be joined by Liana Mikaele-Tu'u and Player of the Match against South Africa, Kaipo Olsen-Baker.
In the backline, Risaleaana Pouri-Lane has been named alongside Demant in the halves. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt returns to the starting line-up, reconnecting with Stacey Waaka in the midfield.
Braxton Sorensen-McGee, the tournament’s top points scorer on 52, starts on the wing with Portia Woodman-Wickliffe. Renee Holmes will retain her place as the starting fullback.
Amy Rule, Chelsea Bremner and Layla Sae re-join the 23 off the bench, alongside Atlanta Lolohea, Kate Henwood, Maia Joseph and Theresa Setefano.
A win for the Black Ferns will ensure a Women’s Rugby World Cup final at a sold out Twickenham Stadium, with the opposition to be confirmed from semi-final 2 played between England and France.
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 Canada (Test caps):
1. Chryss Viliko (17)
2. Georgia Ponsonby (35)
3. Tanya Kalounivale (25)
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (36)
5. Alana Bremner (33)
6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (33)
7. Kennedy Tukuafu (33) – co-captain
8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (14)
9. Risaleaana Pouri-Lane (5)
10. Ruahei Demant (49) – co-captain
11. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (32)
12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (27)
13. Stacey Waaka (30)
14. Braxton Sorensen-McGee (7)
15. Renee Holmes (27)
16. Atlanta Lolohea (9)
17. Kate Henwood (13)
18. Amy Rule (32)
19. Chelsea Bremner (23)
20. Layla Sae (17)
21. Maia Joseph (14)
22. Theresa Setefano (23)
23. Ayesha Leti-I’iga (29)
Unavailable due to injury: Jorja Miller and Laura Bayfield.
Black Ferns facts:
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Ruahei Demant celebrates her 50th Test milestone alongside outside back Ayesha Leti-I’iga for her 30th.
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Ruahei debuted against Australia in Sydney, in a Laurie O’Reilly Cup Test match won by the Black Ferns 31-11 in 2018.
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In her 49 Tests, Ruahei has won 42, lost 6 and drawn 1. She has played against Canada 5 times for 3 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw.
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In 2024 Canada won their first-ever Test over the Black Ferns in 2024 (22-19).
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In this year’s Pacific Four Series encounter v Canada, the Black Ferns drew 27-27 in Christchurch after a dramatic late try to Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt.