Ruahei Demant returns in Black Ferns team for France series opener

New Zealand’s influential co-captain Ruahei Demamt has returned to full fitness in time for the three-Test WXV Global Series run-in with France, kicking off this weekend in Hamilton.

The 2022 World Rugby Player of the Year, who injured her calf in South Africa early last month, will be reintroduced to the international arena off the bench, with Hannah King retaining her starting spot for now after an impressive Northern Tour.

There is just one change to the starting forward pack from last month’s devastating last-second loss to England, with Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu coming into the second row for Laura Bayfield, who drops to the bench.

In the backline, Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a will get her fourth opportunity in the black jersey as she assumes the right-wing role Mererangi Paul has impressed in so far this season. Paul doesn’t fall out of the matchday 23 entirely, landing on the bench as coach Whitney Hansen chases an 80-minute performance.

In the reserves, Vici-Rose Green and Ngano Tavake have earned themselves impact roles after missing selection against England. The selections come at the expense of Atlanta Lolohea and Maddi Robinson.

“Building on the momentum from our England performance, we needed to strike the right balance between providing opportunities for our newer Black Ferns and maintaining the continuity and experience around them to succeed,” explained Hansen.

“We’ve made changes to who starts and finishes, which will be a focus this campaign. Both are equally important, and we need players who can excel in each.

“I also want to acknowledge Ruahei for the selflessness she showed and the significant role she played throughout our Northern Tour. I don’t think we would have had the same level of success we did without her commitment to developing those around her. We’re excited to have her back out on the field, leading and driving our game.”

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 team to play France

1. Chryss Viliko (26)
2. Georgia Ponsonby (45) – co-captain
3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (11)
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (46)
5. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (15)
6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (43)
7. Elinor-Plum King (5)
8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (24)
9. Maia Joseph (24)
10. Hannah King (18)
11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga (36)
12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (36)
13. Amy Du Plessis (29)
14. Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a (3)
15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee (14)

Reserves

16. Vici-Rose Green (9)
17. Ngano Tavake (1)
18. Santo Taumata (11)
19. Laura Bayfield (12)
20. Layla Sae (22)
21. Tara Turner (7)
22. Ruahei Demant (56) – co-captain
23. Mererangi Paul (21)

Unavailable due to injury: Mia Anderson (concussion)