Returning AFL star headlines Black Ferns squad update for France series

The Black Ferns have welcomed Grace Brooker back into the squad for the first time since the midfielder’s AFL excursion last year, and announced two additional changes to their squad for the three-Test series against France kicking off next week.

The Matatu captain re-enters the national fold as both Alena Saili and Maia Davis turn their attention to the upcoming Black Ferns Sevens season. The squad has shrunk from 31 to 30 for the new campaign.

“Grace brings a real level of diligence and experience to the group,” Black Ferns head coach Whitney Hansen said. “Her understanding of the game combined with her ability to lead are invaluable, particularly when it comes to preparing the team and challenging those around her to be better. We’re looking forward to having her back in the environment.”

There’s good news on the injury front for New Zealand, with both Ruahei Demant and Mia Anderson tracking well after their respective calf injuries during the away leg of the WXV Global Series. Both have been named in the squad, with Demant returning to on-field activities while Anderson’s timeline remains unclear.

The experienced playmaker’s return also brings exciting news for Wellington fans, with Arene Landon-Lane on her way back to the region ahead of the FPC decider this weekend.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

4

Draws

0

Wins

1

Average Points scored

30

19

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

60%

Black Ferns squad for WXV Global Series update

Loosehead Props?
Chryss Viliko (25, Blues, Auckland, 25)
Maddison Robinson (25, Matat?, Canterbury, 8)
Ngano Tavake (25, Hurricanes Poua, Manawat?, 1)

Hookers
Vici-Rose Green (24, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 9)
Atlanta Lolohea (23, Blues, Canterbury, 14)
Georgia Ponsonby (26, Matat?, Canterbury, 45)

Tighthead Props?
Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (21, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 11)
Mo’omo’oga Palu (25, Hurricanes Poua, Hawke’s Bay, 2)
Santo Taumata (23, Matat?, Bay of Plenty, 11)

Locks
Maiakawanakaulani Roos (25, Blues, Auckland, 46)
Laura Bayfield (27, Matat?, Canterbury, 12)
Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (23, Blues, Auckland, 15)
Amarante Sititi (19, Blues, Auckland, 3)

Loose forwards?
Mia Anderson (24, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 7)
Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (24, Blues, Auckland, 43)
Kaipo Olsen-Baker (24, Matat?, Manawat?, 21)
Elinor-Plum King (22, Matat?, Manawat?, 5)
Layla Sae (25, Hurricanes Poua, Manawat?, 22)

Halfbacks
Maia Joseph (24, Matat?, Otago, 24)
Tara Turner (22, Blues, Northland, 7)

First-five eighths?
Ruahei Demant (31, Blues, Auckland, 56)
Hannah King (22, Matat?, Canterbury, 18)

Midfield?
Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (22, Blues, Auckland, 37)
Justine McGregor (20, Chiefs Manawa, Black Ferns Sevens, 7)
Amy Du Plessis (27, Matat?, Canterbury, 30)
Grace Brooker (27, Matat?, Canterbury, 5)

Outside backs
Ayesha Leti-I’iga (27, Hurricanes Poua, Wellington, 36)
Mererangi Paul (27, Blues, Counties Manukau, 21)
Braxton Sorensen-McGee (19, Blues, Black Ferns Sevens, 14)
Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a (20, Chiefs Manawa, 3)