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Jorja Miller returns as Black Ferns chase bronze against France
By Finn Morton reporting from London
Jorja Miller will be back in a black jersey on Saturday afternoon, with the World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year nominee returning to New Zealand’s starting side to take on France. Miller missed last week’s 34-19 defeat to Canada at Bristol’s Ashton Gate.
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Black Ferns co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu lined up at openside flanker in Miller’s absence, while Layla Sae provided impact off the bench. Both backrowers were among the standouts, along with Liana Mikaele-Tu’u at blindside and Kaipo Olsen-Baker at No. 8.
Mikaele-Tu’u and Olsen-Baker will partner Miller in the loose forwards trio in this weekend’s bronze playoff against the French. Miller’s inclusion is sure to capture headlines worldwide, after the 21-year-old was nominated for the sport’s top individual prize.
Miller was announced one of three nominees for World Rugby’s Player of the Year in partnership with HSBC, and the openside flanker is also in the mix for Breakthrough Player of the Year. Braxton Sorensen-McGee has also been nominated for the breakthrough award.
Laura Bayfield returns to the run-on side in the second row. Katelyn Vahaakolo has been named in the 23, with this set to be the winger’s 20th international appearance. The starting backline is unchanged, including the halves of Risi Pouri-Lane and Ruahei Demant.
Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’I Sylvia Brunt will line up in the midfield alongside Stacey Waaka, while Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and Sorensen-McGee start on the wings. Goal-kicking ace Renee Holmes has been retained at fullback.
Chrys Viliko will pack down alongside Georgia Ponsonby and Tanya Kalounivale in the front-row, with Maia Roos and Bayfield rounding out the tight five as the two locks. Mikaele-Tu’u, Miller and Olsen-Baker make up a formidable loose forwards trio.
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“We’ve been gifted another opportunity to turn things around for our nation and I know the team will do everything they can to finish this campaign strong. The team have connected well this week, and we are determined to put out a performance that we’re proud of,” Bunting said.
“This will be last showing for our 2025 Black Ferns so on behalf of the entire group I’d like to thank all our supporters and new fans for the aroha you’ve shown us here in England and back home. We really appreciate all the messages of support for our wahine.”
New Zealand defeated France 39-14 in WXV 1 in 2024, although the French claimed a one-point win on New Zealand soil the year before.
This match at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium will kick off at midday on Saturday.
New Zealand team to take on France in 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup Bronze final
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1. Chryss Viliko (18)
2. Georgia Ponsonby (36)
3. Tanya Kalounivale (26)
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (37)
5. Laura Bayfield (5)
6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (34)
7. Jorja Miller (6)
8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (15)
9. Risaleaana Pouri-Lane (6)
10. Ruahei Demant (50) – captain
11. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (33)
12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (28)
13. Stacey Waaka (31)
14. Braxton Sorensen-McGee (8)
15. Renee Holmes (28)
Replacements
16. Vici-Rose Green (4)
17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu (9)
18. Amy Rule (33)
19. Alana Bremner (34)
20. Layla Sae (18)
21. Maia Joseph (15)
22. Theresa Setefano (24)
23. Katelyn Vahaakolo (19)
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