Black Ferns name two debutants to face Scotland
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Black Ferns selectors, head coach Whitney Hansen and assistant coaches Riki Flutey, Tony Christie and Simon Kneebone have selected their match-day 23 to take on Scotland this Saturday.
Prop Ngano Tavake and fullback Maia Davis are in-line to make their Black Ferns debuts after being named in the match-day 23, both providing fresh impact off the bench.
A host of changes have also been made to the starting XV. The front row will see props Maddison Robinson and Mo’omo’oga Palu start with captain Georgia Ponsonby at hooker.
The locking duo will be Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu and Laura Bayfield, while loose forwards Layla Sae and Elinor-Plum King have been named, along with Mia Anderson in the No.8 jersey.
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In the backline, No.9 Tara Turner starts alongside flyhalf Hannah King, with the combination of Alena Saili and Amy Du Plessis in the midfield.
Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a earns a starting spot alongside Justine McGregor on the wings, with Braxton Sorensen-McGee in fullback.
Vici-Rose Green, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Amarante Sititi, Maia Joseph and Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt join Tavake and Davis on the bench.
Black Ferns Head Coach Whitney Hansen 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 debut; it will be a special moment for them and their whānau.
“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.”
Black Ferns: 15 Braxton Sorensen-McGee, 14 Justine McGregor, 13 Amy Du Plessis, 12 Alena Saili, 11 Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a, 10 Hannah King, 9 Tara Turner, 8 Mia Anderson, 7 Elinor-Plum King, 6 Layla Sae, 5 Laura Bayfield, 4 Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu,3 Mo’omo’oga Palu, 2 Georgia Ponsonby (captain), 1 Maddison Robinson
Replacements: 16 Vici-Rose Green, 17 Ngano Tavake, 18 Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, 19 Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 20 Amarante Sititi, 21 Maia Joseph, 22 Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt, 23 Maia Davis
Date: Saturday, September 19
Venue: Hive Stadium, Edinburgh
Kick-off: 17.10 (16.10 GMT; Sunday, September 20, 4.10 NZST)
Referee: Jess Ling (Australia)
Assistant referees: Robbie Jenkinson (Ireland), Mariam Goguadze (Georgia)
TMO: Leo Colgan (Ireland)
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