Black Ferns welcome back key duo from injury for World Cup quarter-final

Kaipo Olsen-Baker and Amy du Plessis are both set to return from injuries this weekend, as the Black Ferns set their sights on what they’ve labelled “a final” against the Springbok Women at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

With the New Zealanders defeating Ireland 40-0 last Sunday in Brighton, the defending World Cup champions secured the top seed out of their pool. They’re now just two days away from facing South Africa in a quarter-final at Exeter’s Sandy Park.

Director of Performance Allan Bunting has made some interesting changes to the side that faced the Irish, including the significant returns of Olsen-Baker and du Plessis, who both sustained injuries in the round one win over Spain in York.

Olsen-Baker was carted off the field at York Community Stadium last month, while du Plessis has spent time on the sidelines with a shoulder injury. 13-Test backrower Olsen-Baker has been named to start at No. 8, while du Plessis is in line to come off the bench.

Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu has been named in the starting side at loosehead prop, set to pack down alongside Georgia Ponsonby and Chryss Viliko up front. Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Alana Bremner round out the tight five, with the locks retaining their starting spots.

Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and HSBC SVNS Series ace Jorja Miller are New Zealand’s flankers, while co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu will once again provide impact off the pine. Olsen-Baker is the other forward featuring in the run-on side.

Risi Pouri-Lane has not been included in the 23 at all after starting last weekend against Ireland. Maia Joseph, who scored New Zealand’s final try in that Test, has been named at halfback instead, joining team co-captain Ruahei Demant in the halves.

Theresa Setefano comes into the First XV at inside centre, set to join Stacey Waaka in the midfield. This will be Waaka’s 30^th Test for the Black Ferns, with the outside centre helping the team win two Rugby World Cups during that time.

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and Braxton Sorensen-McGee line up on the wings, while Renee Holmes starts at fullback. Sorensen-McGee has scored back-to-back hat-tricks leading into this Test, with the 18-year-old topping the point-scoring charts out of any player in the pool stage.

“This match against South Africa means a lot to us, it’s a final, we are also aware of what this game means to South Africa. We have selected our strongest available 23,” Bunting said.

“It’s also important to mention the fans who travel near and far to support the Black Ferns, including our wh?nau (family). We feel and appreciate the continuous support for our wahine (women).”

The Black Ferns have faced the Springbok Women once before, going head-to-head at the 2010 Rugby World Cup. New Zealand won that match comfortably 55-3, with Kelly Brazier featuring in that clash.

This weekend’s Test at Exeter’s Sandy Park will get underway at 1:00 pm BST on Sunday, or at midnight for those watching on TV in New Zealand.

New Zealand team to take on South Africa at 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup

1. Chryss Viliko (16)

2. Georgia Ponsonby (34)

3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (2)

4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (35)

5. Alana Bremner (32)

6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (32)

7. Jorja Miller (5)

8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (13)

9. Maia Joseph (13)

10. Ruahei Demant (48) – co-captain

11. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (31)

12. Theresa Setefano (22)

13. Stacey Waaka (29)

14. Braxton Sorensen-McGee (6)

15. Renee Holmes (26)

Replacements

16. Atlanta Lolohea (8)

17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu (8)

18. Kate Henwood (12)

19. Laura Bayfield (4)

20. Kennedy Tukuafu (32) – co-captain

21. Iritana Hohaia (18)

22. Amy du Plessis (22)

23. Ayesha Leti-I’iga (28)