Du Plessis takes centre stage in historic occasion at FNB Stadium
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Black Ferns head coach Whitney Hansen has named a strong 23-player team for their historic match against the Springbok Women at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
The match will be played as part of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, before the All Blacks take on the Springboks.
In the starting XV, Amy Du Plessis will be in the midfield. Born in KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, this will be a big occasion for her as she goes up against a native country.
The centre missed the 2025 World Cup quarterfinal clash between the two teams due to an injury.
The other team news sees Georgia Ponsonby making her first appearance as co-captain for the Black Ferns with Hannah King named to start at flyhalf.
Ruahei Demant shifts to the bench and will remain as co-captain for the match.
Black Ferns Head Coach Whitney Hansen said: “The changes create a great opportunity for both Georgia and Hannah to grow their leadership. Georgia is one of our on-field leaders, has a strong understanding of our rugby identity and has the presence to lead as captain.
“Ruahei is an exceptional game-driver and important leader for us. What we know is we need to continue developing more players who can step into these roles, and this is great opportunity for Hannah to grow her leadership and game-driving abilities.”
The loose forward trio will also see Mia Anderson, Elinor-Plum King and Liana Mikaele-Tu’u start.
The bench will see the return of hooker Atlanta Lolohea, Laura Bayfield (lock), Tara Turner (halfback) and Justine McGregor (wing), while Amarante Sititi, the younger sister of All Black Wallace is also on the bench.
New Zealand: 15 Braxton Sorensen-McGee, 14 Mererangi Paul, 13 Amy du Plessis, 12 Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt, 11 Ayesha Leti-I’iga, 10 Hannah King, 9 Maia Joseph, 8 Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, 7 Elinor-Plum King, 6 Mia Anderson, 5 Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, 4 Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 3 Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, 2 Georgia Ponsonby, 1 Chryss Viliko.
Replacements: 16 Atlanta Lolohea, 17 Maddison Robinson, 18 Santo Taumata, 19 Laura Bayfield, 20 Amarante Sititi, 21 Tara Turner, 22 Ruahei Demant, 23 Justine McGregor
Date: Saturday, September 5
Venue: FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 13.30 (11.30 GMT; 23.30 NZT)
Referee: Zoe Naude
Assistant Referees: Giana Viljoen, Angie Bezuidenhout
TMO: Quinton Immelman
