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Black Ferns reward hat-trick hero as three players eye debuts
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Backrower Elinor-Plum King is set to debut for the Black Ferns after scoring a hat-trick against the Black Ferns XV last week, with three uncapped players selected in the matchday 23 to face the Wallaroos in Auckland.
Black Ferns coach Whitney Hansen has rewarded King with a spot in the starting side for the O’Reilly Cup Test, while Amarante Sititi and Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a are in line to make their debuts after being named on the bench.
King has been named at openside flanker, joining two experienced Black Ferns in the loose forwards. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u is the third-most experienced forward in the run-on side, and Kaipo Olsen-Baker rounds out the backrow as the starting No. 8.
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Chrys Viliko joins 40-Test hooker Georgia Ponsonby and tighthead prop Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu up front, while Blues captain Maiakawanakaulani Roos will pack down alongside Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu in the second row.
In the backs, Maia Joseph has been named in the halves alongside Black Ferns captain Ruahei Demant. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt is set to represent New Zealand for the 33rd time, having been named alongside Amy Du Plessis in the midfield.
Ayesha Leti-I’iga and Mererangi Paul have earned starts on the wings, while Braxton Sorensen-McGee lines up at fullback, following another strong Super Rugby Aupiki and Champions Final campaigns for the Blues.
“Elinor-Plum, Amarante and Shyrah are exciting young athletes with potential that can be a real point of difference for us now and in the future,” Hansen said.
“Shyrah is a strong ball carrier and has great offload ability who’s gained a huge amount of experience being around this group, including during the Pacific Four Series which has helped her develop.
“Elinor-Plum is incredibly agile and relentless through the middle, but she’s also becoming a real threat on the edge. She’s worked exceptionally hard over the past three years to put her hand up for this team, and what we saw from her last week showed she’s ready to be part of this environment.
“Amarante is a phenomenal talent with the versatility to play both lock and loose forward as she continues to develop. She’s powerful in collisions and is building a deeper understanding of her role within the team.”?
Black Ferns to take on Wallaroos
1. Chryss Viliko (22)
2. Georgia Ponsonby (40)
3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (6)
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (41)
5. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (10)
6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (38)
7. Elinor-Plum King*
8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (19)
9. Maia Joseph (19)
10. Ruahei Demant (54) – captain
11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga (33)
12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (32)
13. Amy Du Plessis (25)
14. Mererangi Paul (17)
15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee (9)
Replacements
16. Vici-Rose Green (7)
17. Maddison Robinson (3)
18. Santo Taumata (7)
19. Amarante Sititi*
20. Mia Anderson (3)
21. Ariana Bayler (8)
22. Hannah King (13)
23. Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a*
*Potential debutants
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