Black Ferns suffer double injury blow on eve of second France Test

The Black Ferns have suffered two injuries ahead of their second Test against France in the WXV Global Series.

Starting centre Amy Du Plessis has been diagnosed with delayed concussion and will miss the Test while serving the mandatory stand-down period. Star rookie Justine McGregor has been promoted from the bench to the starting unit for her first run in the No.13 jersey. Ayesha Leti-I’iga will now wear the No.23 jersey.

Reserve hooker Atlanta Lolohea suffered an ankle injury at Thursday’s training session and has been removed from the lineup as a result, with Vici-Rose Green coming back in at No.16. Holly Wratt-Groeneweg has been called into the squad as injury cover for the hooker.

Mo’omo’oga Palu also went down injured this week, requiring further injury cover. A familiar face has answered the call, with Pip Love returning to the Black Ferns environment.

Updated Black Ferns team to play France

1. Chryss Viliko (27)
2. Georgia Ponsonby (46)
3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (12)
4. Laura Bayfield (13)
5. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (16)
6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (44)
7. Layla Sae (23)
8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (22)
9. Tara Turner (8)
10. Ruahei Demant (57) – captain
11. Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a (4)
12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (38)
13. Justine McGregor (7)
14. Mererangi Paul (22)
15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee (15)

Reserves

16. Vici-Rose Green (10)
17. Maddison Robinson (8)
18. Santo Taumata (12)
19. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (47)
20. Amarante Sititi (3)
21. Maia Joseph (25)
22. Hannah King (19)
23. Ayesha Leti-I’iga (37)