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Demant hits milestone as Jorja Miller ruled out of Black Ferns semi-final
By Finn Morton reporting from Bristol
Ruahei Demant will become the third most-capped Black Fern of all-time in the team’s 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-final, with the co-captain set to play her 50th Test after being named to start at first five-eighth against Canada.
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Three-time Rugby World Cup winner Kendra Cocksedge is the most-capped Black Fern with 68 international appearances, with Fiao’o Fa’amausili (57) in second. Demant will celebrate this milestone appearance alongside Ayesha Leti-I’iga who is reaching the 30-game mark.
In 2018, Demant entered the Test arena for the first time against the Wallaroos. Demant became the Black Ferns captain four years later during the Pacific Four Series, leading the team to the Rugby World Cup title on home soil that year.
Demant received Player of the Final honours after that thrilling decider against England, which was played in front of a sold-out Eden Park. Three years later, Demant has been named to start in the halves alongside Black Ferns Sevens vice-captain Risi Pouri-Lane who returns to the matchday 23.
“Ruahei embodies mana and everything that a Black Fern should be through her authenticity. She has a calm but strong presence on the field, when Ruahei speaks she has powerful influence, her words and conviction connects our circle in a special way,” Director of Performance Allan Bunting said.
“She leads by example and empowers others around her. She is the poutokomanawa, heart and soul of the team. For Ruahei to run out this weekend alongside Ayesha playing her 30th Test will be special.
“The impact both Ruahei and Ayesha have on this team, and the next generation is immense; they are truly inspirational wahine toa.
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“We are looking forward to this weekend and the challenge ahead, we are a different team, our game is in a different place and we have experience in pinnacle events under pressure.”
Bunting has picked a starting side that boasts more than 400 international caps between them, including the selection of Kennedy Tukuafu at openside flanker. Tukuafu has featured on the bench in two appearances since returning from a stint on the sidelines with an injury.
HSBC SVNS Series Women’s Player of the Year Jorja Miller is unavailable due to injury, and it’s the same story for Laura Bayfield. Tanya Kalounivale returns to the First XV at tighthead prop, packing down alongside Chryss Viliko and Georgia Ponsonby in the front row.
Maia Roos and Alana Bremner combine with their familiar second-row pairing. The backrow trio is made of up Liana Mikaele-Tu’u at blindside flanker, co-captain Tukuafu at openside, and Kaipo Olsen-Baker at No. 8.
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Pouri-Lane returns at halfback, partnering Demant in the halves. Bunting has recalled Sylvia Brunt into the run-on side at openside flanker, with the centre set to join Stacey Waaka in the midfield.
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and Braxton Sorensen-McGee are the starting wings – with Sorensen-McGee scoring eight tries in just four World Cup appearances. Goal-kicking ace Renee Holmes has retained her spot at fullback.
Canada defeated the Black Ferns in New Zealand for the first time last year, and came very close to repeating those heroics in Christchurch four months ago, before a late try saw the hosts secure a thrilling 27-all draw.
This semi-final at Bristol’s Ashton Gate will take place at 6:00 am NZT on Sunday morning, or 7:00 pm local time.
Black Ferns team for World Rugby semi-final
- Chryss Viliko (17)
- Georgia Ponsonby (35)
- Tanya Kalounivale (25)
- Maiakawanakaulani Roos (36)
- Alana Bremner (33)
- Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (33)
- Kennedy Tukuafu (33) – co-captain
- Kaipo Olsen-Baker (14)
- Risaleaana Pouri-Lane (5)
- Ruahei Demant (49) – co-captain
- Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (32)
- Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (27)
- Stacey Waaka (30)
- Braxton Sorensen-McGee (7)
- Renee Holmes (27)
Replacements
- Atlanta Lolohea (9)
- Kate Henwood (13)
- Amy Rule (32)
- Chelsea Bremner (23)
- Layla Sae (17)
- Maia Joseph (14)
- Theresa Setefano (23)
- Ayesha Leti-I’iga (29)