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Ireland target continued momentum as seven uncapped players named in 36-player squad
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Teenager among three potential debutants in first Black Ferns team of year
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Whitney Hansen has named three potential debutants in her first Black Ferns matchday team, which will open the 2026 Pacific Four Series against the USA this weekend.
Mia Anderson, Tara Turner, and Justine McGregor are all in line for their first minutes in the Black Ferns jersey, with the latter in position to join an exclusive club of players to debut before turning 20.
Anderson was with Hansen in last year’s Black Ferns XV squad, while Turner is just one year into her time at halfback, having previously played first five and fullback.
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“It’s exciting to reward our debutants with the opportunity to wear the black jersey for the first time, they’ve shown determination and resilience to get here throughout their respective journeys. Representing Aotearoa is always a privilege, and it’s going to be a special moment for our players and their whanau to witness what they do against the USA,” Hansen said.
The match will be a historic occasion for Ruahei Demant, who will break Fiao’o Fa’amausili’s record for most games captaining the Black Ferns when she runs out to lead the team for the 36th time. Demant and Kennedy Tukuafu share co-captaincy duties for the team.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have Ruahei as a leader in our environment. The way she carries herself, her mana, and the leadership she offers to this team is immense. On behalf of the group, we congratulate her on reaching this milestone,” Hansen added.
The Test officially begins a new era for the Black Ferns, who are eager to return to the top of the rugby world after slipping to third in the rankings behind both England and next week’s opponent, Canada.
Coach Hansen, having named eight new faces in her 30-woman squad for the tournament, says she’s not looking to reinvent the wheel, but some shifts have been made.
“This match is the first opportunity for us to test our rugby identity and highlight our strengths. Our identity isn’t completely new; it’s refining what has already been done, and we look forward to putting out a strong performance in front of fans in the USA and back home,” she said.
Black Ferns team to play the USA
1. Chryss Viliko (19)
2. Georgia Ponsonby (37)
3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (3)
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (38)
5. Laura Bayfield (6)
6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (35)
7. Kennedy Tukuafu (34) – co-captain
8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (16)
9. Maia Joseph (16)
10. Ruahei Demant (51) – co-captain
11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga (30)
12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (29)
13. Amy Du’Plessis (22)
14. Mererangi Paul (14)
15. Renee Holmes (29)
16. Vici-Rose Green (5)
17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu (10)
18. Tanya Kalounivale (27)
19. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (7)
20. Mia Anderson*
21. Tara Turner*
22. Hannah King (10)
23. Justine McGregor*
