Black Ferns reshuffle squad after injury blows ahead of final France Test

The Black Ferns will be forced to make several changes to their 23-strong squad to take on France this weekend in Christchurch, having been dealt two injury blows.

Whitney Hansen’s side made a late surge at Semenoff Stadium in Whangarei to overcome a resilient French side, who bounced back strongly after a Black Ferns smashing in the first Test in Hamilton.

The powerful combination and impact of Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Hannah King, and Ayesha Leti-I’iga helped the Black Ferns clinch the series over fourth-ranked France, switching the momentum after coming on in the second half.

But Hansen will be without halfback Tara Turner, and hooker Atalanta Lolohea for the final Test match of 2026 at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch.

Lolohea suffered an ankle injury during last week’s training in Whangarei, ruling her out of the second Test.

Replacement hooker Holly Wratt-Groeneweg, who was called in after Lolohea’s injury, will remain with the squad as cover.

Turner, who enjoyed a homecoming on Saturday when representing the Black Ferns in her home region of Northland, sustained a concussion in the second half and will miss Christchurch’s Test.

The halfback will be replaced by capped Black Fern Ariana Bayler, who last represented Hansen’s side against Australia at Mt Smart Stadium in August.

The nine-Test halfback made her debut against England in 2021, and had to wait just under three years for her latest cap, with her previous performance before August coming in 2023.

Although not confirmed, Kaipo Olsen-Baker will no doubt be fighting the clock to feature this weekend in Christchurch, after being carried from the field with an ankle injury at halftime in Whangarei.

The latest injury update on Tuesday morning followed the positive news of two Black Ferns receiving nominations for World Rugby awards.

Both Olsen-Baker and Elinor Plum-King were nominated, Olsen-Baker for Women’s 15s Player of the Year, and Plum-King for Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year.