Black Ferns and Blacks Ferns XV name teams for annual showdown

Whitney Hansen and Blair Baxter have named their respective teams for the annual Black Ferns vs Black Ferns XV match, which will pit New Zealand’s best of the best against the best of the rest in Upper Hutt on Friday afternoon.

Elinor-Plum King will make her Black Ferns debut in the No.7 jersey, while fellow uncapped prospects Ngano Tavake, Amarante Sititi, Maia Davis and Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a all appear on an extended, 10-woman bench.

The match begins the back end of the 2026 season for the national outfit, who have eight Tests remaining after sweeping the Pacific Four Series earlier in the year.

“We not only acknowledge the significance of this opportunity to continue growing our game through meaningful competition, but also to give the Black Ferns XV the chance to wear the black jersey. For many, it will be their first time,” Black Ferns Head Coach Whitney Hansen said.

“Respecting the pathway means recognising that today’s XVs athletes are tomorrow’s Black Ferns. Supporting their journey starts with moments like these where we honour their place in the game and celebrate the future of our sport.”

Black Ferns team to play the Black Ferns XV

1. Chryss Viliko
2. Atlanta Lolohea
3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos
5. Laura Bayfield
6. Mia Anderson
7. Elinor-Plum King
8. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u
9. Tara Turner
10. Ruahei Demant
11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga
12. Alena Saili
13. Amy Du Plessis
14. Mererangi Paul
15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee

Reserves

16. Vici-Rose Green
17. Ngano Tavake
18. Santo Taumata
19. Amarante Sititi
20. Georgia Ponsonby
21. Maia Davis
22. Maia Joseph
23. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt
24. Justine McGregor
25. Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a

Black Ferns XV team to play the Black Ferns

1. Angel Mulu
2. Natalie Delamere
3. Mo’omo’oga Palu*
4. Sam Taylor
5. Paris Lokotui
6. Leata Puni-Lio
7. Taufa Bason
8. Sarah Jones
9. Ariana Bayler
10. Arene Landon-Lane
11. Wikitoria Viljoen
12. Grace Brooker
13. Hollyrae Mete-Renata
14. Winnie Palamo
15. Presayus Singh

Reserves

16. Holly Wratt-Groeneweg
17. Maddison Robinson*
18. Amber Mundell
19. Cilia-Marie Po’e-Tofaeono
20. Lonita Ngalu-Lavemai
21. Emma Dermody
22. Danny-Elle Fesolai
23. Tafito Lafaele
24. Kelsyn McCook
25. Kokako Raki
26. Hinemairangi Scott
27. Lialanie Muamua