Black Ferns named for England challenge

The Black Ferns coaching group have named their match-day 23 to play England in their second Test of the WXV1 Tournament at Langley Events Centre in Langley.

Live on Sky Sport NZ: Monday 7 October, Black Ferns v England, 9.00am (NZST). 

Black Ferns team to play England is (Test caps in brackets);
1. Chryss Viliko (8)
2. Georgia Ponsonby (25)
3. Tanya Kalounivale (16)
4. Alana Bremner (23)
5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (27)
6. Liana Mikaele-Tu'u (24)
7. Kennedy Tukuafu (nee Simon) (25) (Co-Captain)
8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (7)
9. Maia Joseph (6)
10. Hannah King (5)
11. Katelyn Vahaakolo (12)
12. Ruahei Demant (39) (Co-Captain)
13. Logo-i-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt (19)
14. Ayesha Leti-I'iga (22)
15. Renee Holmes (20)

16. Atlanta Lolohea (3)
17. Kate Henwood (6)
18. Amy Rule (25)
19. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (3)
20. Layla Sae (9)
21. Iritana Hohaia (12)
22. Mererangi Paul (10)
23. Ruby Tui (18)

Unavailable due to injury: Amy du Plessis (concussion).

In another highly anticipated encounter against rivals England, skilful midfielder Logo-i-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt is set to start at centre in her 20th Test.  

Black Ferns Director of Rugby Allan Bunting congratulated Brunt on the upcoming milestone, highlighting her talent.

“Sylvia is an authentic player, her skill, power, and agility is special, and she is developing into a great player. To see her growth as an individual both on and off the field is credit to her dedication to this jersey.” 

Several changes have been made to the playing twenty-three aiming to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat against Ireland. 

Loosehead prop Chryss Viliko, hooker Georgia Ponsonby and tighthead prop Tanya Kalounivale return to the starting front row. Following a strong performance off the bench Alana Bremner is named to start alongside Maiakawanakaulani Roos as the preferred locking duo. Liana Mikaele-Tu'u shifts back to number six with Layla Sae moving to the bench, making way for powerful number 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker.

In the backs, halfback Maia Joseph and first five-eighth Hannah King are set to start together, with experienced Black Ferns co-captain Ruahei Demant shifting to second five-eighth, combing alongside Brunt in the midfield. Electric winger Ayesha Leti-I'iga returns to start on the right wing.

Loosehead prop Kate Henwood returns to the twenty-three alongside lock Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu. 

Bunting said it will be a great test for the team. 

“We have been through some real adversity and have taken some critical learnings as a whole group. I have been very impressed with how quickly our wāhine have bounced back on task.”

“We wanted more quality Test matches, and we are certainly getting that. Once again, we have the opportunity to play England this week and I know there is a real desire to put on a performance we are proud of,” said Bunting.

Key Facts:

• This will be Logo-i-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt’s 20th Test for the Black Ferns. 
• This will be the 33rd Test match between the Black Ferns and England. The Black Ferns have won 19 Tests, lost 12 and drawn once.
• September 14, 2024, was the last time the Black Ferns met England, this was played at Allianz Stadium (Twickenham), London. Score: 24 – 12 (loss)
• The teams last met in WXV1 last year at Go Media Stadium in Auckland. Score: 12 – 33 (loss)
• 2022 was the last time the Black Ferns won against England; this was the Rugby World Cup Final at Eden Park in Auckland. Score: 34 – 31 (win). 

Black Ferns End of Year Tour Schedule (New Zealand times and dates listed)
WXV 1 Tournament
Black Ferns v Ireland, Monday 30 September, 3.00pm, BC Place, VANCOUVER. Score: 27 - 29 (loss).
Black Ferns v England, Monday 7 October, 9.00am, Langley Event Centre, LANGLEY.
Black Ferns v France, Sunday 13 October, 11.45am, BC Place, VANCOUVER.

England Test
Black Ferns v England, 15 September, Allianz Stadium, LONDON. Score: 24 - 12 (loss).