The Black Ferns coaching group have named their match-day 23 to play France in their final Test of the WXV1 Tournament at BC Place, Vancouver.

The match will be screened live on Sky Sport NZ on Sunday, October 13, at 11.45am NZST.

Following last weekend’s loss to England, the Black Ferns coaching team have made a number of changes to their 23.  

Black Ferns team to play France is (Test caps in brackets);
1. Kate Henwood (7)
2. Georgia Ponsonby (26)
3. Amy Rule (26)
4. Alana Bremner (24)
5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (28)
6. Liana Mikaele-Tu'u (25)
7. Layla Sae (10)
8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (8)
9. Iritana Hohaia (13)
10. Hannah King (6)
11. Katelyn Vahaakolo (13)
12. Ruahei Demant (40) (Co-Captain)
13. Logo-i-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt (20)
14. Ayesha Leti-I'iga (23)
15. Mererangi Paul (11)

16. Atlanta Lolohea (4)
17. Chryss Viliko (9) 
18. Tanya Kalounivale (17)
19. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (4)
20. Kennedy Tukuafu (nee Simon) (26) (Co-Captain)
21. Maia Joseph (7)
22. Patricia Maliepo (9)
23. Renee Holmes (21)

Hooker Georgia Ponsonby anchors the scrum once again and will be joined by loosehead prop Kate Henwood and tighthead prop Amy Rule in the starting front row.

Chryss Viliko and Tanya Kalounivale are named as the reinforcements on the bench, alongside Atlanta Lolohea.

Explosive loose forward Layla Sae has been given the opportunity to start at openside, with Kennedy Tukuafu named in jersey 20. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and Kaipo Olsen-Baker remain unchanged at blindside and number eight.

Iritana Hohaia will start for the first time this tour, combining with Hannah King in the halves. The Black Ferns midfield duo of co-captain Ruahei Demant and Logo-i-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt remains, alongside wingers Katelyn Vahaakolo and Ayesha Leti-I'iga. Versatile back Mererangi Paul will start at fullback to round out the starting 15. 

Utility back Patricia Maliepo earns her spot for the first time during the end of year tour, named in jersey 22. 

Black Ferns Director of Rugby Allan Bunting said France will provide another strong challenge. 

“Our group are determined to finish well this weekend. We have been through some challenging times; we’ve seen progression in certain areas of our game, but we need to be more accurate and consistent across the park,” said Bunting.

“Collectively we have shifted onto France, who we know can be a formidable and unpredictable side. Fortunately, we get another opportunity this week to show all the hard work we have been doing.”

This will be the twelfth test match between the two sides, with the Black Ferns winning six of those encounters. The teams last met in WXV1 last year at Sky Stadium in Wellington with a score of 17 – 18 (loss).

The last time the Black Ferns won against France was in 2022; this was the Rugby World Cup Semi-Final at Eden Park in Auckland. Score: 25 – 24 (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. Score: 31 - 49 (loss)
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).