Four debutants named in explosive Black Ferns team to host USA

New Zealand’s Black Ferns Sevens recruits have earned their first selections in the Black Ferns team to play the USA this weekend.

Jorja Miller and Risi Pouri-Lane have both been named to start in their Pacific Four Series debuts, with the Black Ferns’ 2022 World Cup starting midfield of Theresa Setefano and Stacey Waaka joining them in the run-on side.

The dynamic SVNS duo aren’t the only debutants, though. Chiefs Manawa front rowers Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu and Vici-Rose Green are also set to take the field after impressive Super Rugby Aupiki campaigns.

“We are delighted to see our four players get a chance to don this black jersey for the first time. This is going to be a special moment for them to play in front of their whanau and friends,” Black Ferns Director of Rugby Allan Bunting said.

“Veisinia and Vici-Rose have been with us since our first training camp. They have worked hard and done the learning, while showing their commitment to the team by helping them prepare for the last two Tests. It’s now their time.

“Jorja and Risaleaana, who joined us last week following their successful sevens World Series campaign, have slotted in seamlessly. They are great humans and diligent athletes, we look forward to watching them do their thing this weekend.”

The Kiwis have it all to play for in the final week of the Pacific Four Series after their draw with Canada in round two, a result that left the two heavyweights even on the competition table.

Head-to-Head

Last 4 Meetings

Wins

4

Draws

0

Wins

0

Average Points scored

56

13

First try wins

25%

Home team wins

75%

Black Ferns team to play the USA

1. Kate Henwood
2. Georgia Ponsonby
3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu*
4. Alana Bremner
5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos
6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u
7. Jorja Miller*
8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker
9. Risaleaana Pouri-Lane*
10. Ruahei Demant (cc)
11. Katelyn Vahaakolo
12. Theresa Setefano
13. Stacey Waaka
14. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe
15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee

16. Vici-Rose Green*
17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu
18. Tanya Kalounivale
19. Chelsea Bremner
20. Kennedy Tukuafu (cc)
21. Maia Joseph
22. Hannah King
23. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt