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Which Black Ferns will be on the World Cup plane to England?
By Adam Julian
As teams begin to announce their squads for the upcoming Rugby World Cup, hype and speculation is building ahead of the reigning champion Black Ferns’ announcement next Friday in Wellington. Who will make the final cut, and who might be left out?
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While it seems most of the squad is already settled, two Black Ferns Sevens legends are making a late push for places. Young players Hannah King, Layla Sae, and Maama Vaipulu have recently burst onto the international scene, but they may have reasons to be anxious. Goal-kicking and backup hookers are other areas of concern.
Let’s discuss the talking points.
Fly-half/ First Five: Kelly Brazier v Hannah King
Black Ferns co-captain Ruahei Demant holds a cast anchor over the number ten jersey, but who is her backup?
While Hannah King was nominated for the 2024 World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year, the recall of 35-year-old Kelly Brazier to the Black Ferns at first five-eighth will have the young Canterburian looking nervously over her shoulder.
Furthermore, King’s naming in the Black Ferns XV to tour South Africa from next week may be a further blow to her prospects.
Brazier, who was named at second five-eighth (centre) in the World Rugby Women’s Team of the Decade for 2010-2019, played solidly in the convincing 37-12 win against Australia, on July 12th- her first international cap since 2021.
After stints with the Black Ferns Sevens, motherhood, and battling injuries, she has impressed at 10 for Bay of Plenty in the Farah Palmer Cup (FPC) and with Chiefs Manawa in Super Rugby Aupiki.
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Brazier threw down the gauntlet in the first ten minutes of the Black Ferns trial on July 5th with a 50/22 kick that set up an attacking opportunity for the Black Ferns. With a stronger pack behind her, she was able to assert her presence effectively. Will her experience and decorated resume overshadow the potential of King?
King’s performance in the trial was not lacking; she executed an excellent cross-kick that led to a try for Ruby Tui. When the Black Ferns XV controlled possession, King generally made sound attacking decisions, but doubts linger.
Limited playing time in the Pacific Four Series did not allow her to strengthen her case, and her underwhelming displays against England last year did not help her cause. While King is developing a promising partnership with Maia Joseph, Brazier has already established her credentials.
Ruby, Ruby, Ruby: Wings
When Black Ferns Director of Rugby Alan Bunting was asked about the chances of talismanic 2022 Rugby World Cup winger Ruby Tui being recalled, he responded, “The door’s not closed, but performances matter.”
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With two tries and a high-energy display in a challenging trial, as well as a try in the Black Ferns’ 37-12 win over Australia, Tui has done everything possible to advance her case.
The Black Ferns are stacked on the wings, and frankly it would be a scandal if Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Katelyn Vahaakolo, and Ayesha Leti-I’iga were cut.
Is Mererangi Paul vulnerable? Paul offers greater versatility than Tui, providing coverage at centre and is more accustomed to playing fullback, a position that Tui has also covered. Paul has scored 14 tries in 14 Tests- an undeniable achievement, but has been named in the Black Ferns XV to tour South Africa.
Tui was the leading try-scorer in Super Rugby Aupiki this year and brings experience in high pressured environments- winning gold at the Olympic Games and the Rugby World Cup in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
Centres:
Getting the ball to the wings is crucial, and midfielders Sylvia Brunt, Amy du Plessis, and Stacey Waaka should be secure, with no serious challengers in their positions. Similarly, Maia Joseph, Irutana Hohaia, and Risaleaana Pouri-Lane should make up the three halfbacks.
Back Row:
By winning the Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Trophy last year- the second-youngest recipient in its 30-year history (behind Jonah Lomu)- Jorja Miller was officially recognised as the best rugby player, male or female, in New Zealand.
Her recent spectacular performance against Australia in the O’Reilly Cup, where she topped the tackle count with 20 and scored a try from a 40-meter dropout, has secured her a spot on the plane to England.
With Kennedy Tukuafu, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, and Kaipo Olsen-Baker as other certain selections in a competitive back row, Mia Anderson will almost certainly miss out, despite her ability to cover all three back-row positions. She joins the Black Ferns XV in South Africa.
Layla Sae hasn’t done anything wrong but may sweat about her place due to the abundance of versatility in the locking department.
Goal Kicker?
New Zealand‘s 18-17 loss to France in 2023 was followed by narrow defeats to Canada and Ireland by two and three points, respectively, in 2024.
This year, the Black Ferns drew 27-27 with Canada in the Pacific Four Series. Throughout these matches, goal kicking was poor, which raises the question: Does this situation provide a lifeline for Renee Holmes, who is likely a better kicker than any of the incumbents?
Holmes goal-kicked in the 2022 Rugby World Cup semi-final against France which the team won by a point, and continued her form in the final against England, but had a shocking one from five return recently against Australia.
Kelly Brazier was unsuccessful with two attempts from the boot. Can Risaleaana Pouri-Lane be relied upon to kick from a tee as opposed to her high standard drop kicking in the Black Ferns Sevens?
Locks:
Abrasive Auckland lock Maama Vaipulu played her last Test against Canada in May. It seems she will be left behind as the Black Ferns XV heads to South Africa, which is somewhat surprising given her encouraging performances against England in 2024.
Vaipulu’s non-selection opens the door for Chelsea Bremner, who worked hard against Australia and played in every Test during the Black Ferns’ successful 2022 season.
Alana Bremner and Maia Ross are experienced players capable of covering loose forward positions, which could complicate things for Layla Sae, especially if Laura Bayfield continues her upward trajectory. Bayfield, who was the top tackler in the 2024 FPC, is comfortable in the back row, which might give her an advantage over Sae, who is not regarded as a lock.
Hookers:
Luka Connor’s chances appear to be dashed, as the Bay of Plenty veteran heads to South Africa with the Black Ferns XV. Atlanta Lolohea and Viki-Rose Green are likely to remain, but the lack of experience in such a crucial position is concerning.
An injury to incumbent Georgia Ponsonby during the World Cup could spell disaster, as the 25-year-old is the best hooker in the country by a mile.
Props:
Chryss Viliko, Kate Henwood, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Tanya Kalounivale, Amy Rule, and Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu have anchored the scrum so far in 2025. This lineup is unlikely to change ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
New Zealand begin the defence of their World Cup title against Spain on Sunday 24th August. Buy tickets here.