Sorensen-McGee returns as Black Ferns reveal side for World Cup clash

Braxton Sorensen-McGee will be back in black this weekend, with the teenage sensation set to return from injury along with four other Black Ferns in the team’s Women’s Rugby World Cup opener against Spain in York.

Sorensen-McGee was a standout for the Blues during Super Rugby Aupiki, and the 18-year-old was rewarded with a Black Ferns call-up soon after. The outside back scored a double on debut against the Wallaroos in Newcastle and was named Player of the Match.

Director of Performance Allan Bunting has selected Sorensen-McGee on the right wing, while Maia Joseph, Amy du Plessis, and Ayesha Leti-I’iga will complete comebacks from injury in the starting side. Kaipo Olsen-Baker will also in line to return via the bench.

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe – The Threads That Bind Us

Emotive new short film features Woodman-Wickliffe’s Mount Albert Grammar School pupils speaking about the New Zealand rugby legend ahead of kick-off at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe – The Threads That Bind Us

Emotive new short film features Woodman-Wickliffe’s Mount Albert Grammar School pupils speaking about the New Zealand rugby legend ahead of kick-off at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

The Black Ferns have made 11 changes to the First XV that defeated the Wallaroos in Wellington in July. Alana Bremner takes up co-captaincy duties in the absence of Kennedy Tukuafu, while Ruahei Demant will provide impact off the pine.

Awhina Tangen-Wainohu joins Vici-Rose Green and 30-Test tighthead Amy Rule up front, while co-captain Bremner partners sister Chelsea Bremner in the second row. Layla Sae and HSBC SVNS Series star Jorja Miller are the flankers, while Liana Mikaele-Tu’u starts at No. 8.

Joseph will link up with Kelly Brazer in the halves, with the first five-eighth set to appear at a fourth World Cup. In the midfield, 19-Test midfielder Theresa Setefano will combine with Du Plessis as the centre pairing.

Leti-I’iga and Sorensen-McGee have been named on the wings, while 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup star Renee Holmes lines up at fullback. On the bench, Risaleanna Pouri-Lane, Demant and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe will provide backline cover.

“We’ve had a few days to acclimatise, enjoy the warmer weather in York before shifting our focus to the match against Spain,” Bunting said in a statement.

“We believe the selected team will start our World Cup campaign strong. It’s going to be an absolute honour for our wahine to walk out on that field and really stamp their mark.”

The Black Ferns last played Spain in 1998, where the New Zealanders emerged victorious 46-3.

This match at York Community Stadium is set to get underway at 5:30 pm BST [August 25, 4:30 am NZT] on Sunday.

New Zealand team to play Spain at Women’s Rugby World Cup

1. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu (7)

2. Vici-Rose Green (2)

3. Amy Rule (30)

4. Alana Bremner (29) – Co-captain

5. Chelsea Bremner (22)

6. Layla Sae (14)

7. Jorja Miller (2)

8. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (29)

9. Maia Joseph (11)

10. Kelly Brazier (43)

11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga (26)

12. Theresa Setefano (19)

13. Amy du Plessis (21)

14. Braxton Sorensen-McGee (3)

15. Renee Holmes (23)

Replacements

16. Georgia Ponsonby (31)

17. Chryss Viliko (13)

18. Tanya Kalounivale (22)

19. Laura Bayfield (1)

20. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (12)

21. Risaleaana Pouri-Lane (2)

22. Ruahei Demant (45) – Co-captain

23. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (27)