Whitney Hansen shakes up Black Ferns side for Scotland clash

Whitney Hansen has made seven changes to the Black Ferns starting XV that beat France 28-14 last weekend.

This weekend, in their second WXV Global Series fixture, Alena Saili has been named at inside centre, where she partners Amy du Plessis. Sylvia Brunt drops to the bench.

Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a is named on the wing and Tara Turner gets the nod at half-back. In the front-row, Maddison Robinson is named at loosehead and Mo’omo’oga Palu earns her second cap at tighthead prop. Layla Sae, who returned from an ACL injury after nine months, joins the back-row with Elinor-Plum King and Mia Anderson. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu partners Laura Bayfield at lock.

Loosehead prop Ngano Tavake and 20-year-old Black Ferns Sevens full-back Maia Davis are in line to make their Test debuts from among the replacements.

Whitney Hansen, Black Ferns head coach, said: “While this campaign is certainly about growing continuity and connections, the match against Scotland presents an exciting opportunity for some new talent to experience Test rugby. I want to congratulate Ngano and Maia on being named to make their Black Ferns debuts, it will be a special moment for them and their whanau.

“Ngano’s actions speak louder than her words. She’s incredibly humble, hardworking and has continued to impress us with what she brings to the group, both on and off the field.

“Maia is a talented athlete, and we’ve all loved supporting her growth in this environment. She has so much to offer this team, both now and into the future, and this is just the beginning of something special for her and for us.”

2026 WXV Global Series | Black Ferns match day 23 v Scotland

15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee (12)
14. Justine McGregor (5)
13. Amy Du Plessis (28)
12. Alena Saili (6)
11. Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a (2)
10. Hannah King (16)
9. Tara Turner (5)
1. Maddison Robinson (6)
2. Georgia Ponsonby (43) – captain
3. Mo’omo’oga Palu (1)
4. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (13)
5. Laura Bayfield (11)
6. Layla Sae (20)
7. Elinor-Plum King (3)
8. Mia Anderson (6)

Replacements
16. Vici-Rose Green (8)
17. Ngano Tavake*
18. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (9)
19. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (44)
20. Amarante Sititi (2)
21. Maia Joseph (22)
22. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (35)
23. Maia Davis*
*uncapped