Follow the action as the Black Ferns host the Wallaroos in Auckland.

Match preview

Selecting the 23-strong New Zealand women’s rugby squad to play against Australia in Auckland this weekend, Whitney Hansen has rewarded form.

And for loose forward Elinor-Plum King, selection after her strong Super Rugby Aupiki campaign means 2026 continues to be a career year.

After scoring a hat-trick against the Black Ferns XV last week, the Matatū flanker will make her test debut in Saturday afternoon’s clash at Go Media Stadium. The test is the only one the Black Ferns will play in Auckland this year.

King gets the first opportunity to stake a claim to the No 7 jersey left vacant after Kennedy Tukuafu was ruled out of the end-of-year tour with injury.

It’s a role that is expected to be well contested, with Layla Sae, who has three starts at openside for the Black Ferns, also in the touring squad. However, Sae is unavailable for the match against the Wallaroos as she continues to work back from a knee injury but is expected to be in line for selection in South Africa in a fortnight.

King will link up with Matatū teammate Kaipo Olsen-Baker, who returns after a niggle kept her out of last week’s hit-out against the Black Ferns XV, at No 8 and Blues flanker Liana Mikaele-Tu’u at blindside.

King is one of three players set for their first test appearances in the clash, with lock Amarante Sititi and outside back Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a assigned to provide impact from the bench.

“We’re thinking about the future, we’re thinking about now, and that went into the decision-making around this team as well for this weekend,” Hansen said.

“So where can we give opportunity to grow some talent? And how do we give some continuity to those that will own those positions come the tough games?

In the front row, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu starts at tighthead prop for her seventh test, alongside veteran duo Chryss Viliko (22 tests) at loosehead and Georgia Ponsonby (40) at hooker. While at lock, Blues duo Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu draw the starting assignments.

The backline is a settled one, with Maia Joseph and captain Ruahei Demant at halfback and first five-eighths respectively. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt and Amy du Plessis are again the midfield pairing, while Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Mererangi Paul and Braxton Sorensen-McGee are the back three.

Sorensen-McGee will make her first test start for the Black Ferns this year, having been with the sevens team during the Pacific Four campaign.

On the bench, first five-eighths Hannah King has been cleared to return from injury, while Ariana Bayler – who was a late inclusion in the squad due to an injury to Tara Turner – will provide cover at halfback.

Santo Taumata, who last played a test for the Black Ferns in 2022, will provide cover at tighthead, with Maddison Robinson at loosehead and Vici-Rose Green at hooker, while Mia Anderson is the loose forward cover.

Hansen said with this being the first of a long run of tests for the Black Ferns, with another seven still to come over the next few months, there would be plenty of rotation in the squad over the next assignments.

“We’ve got a pretty good look on that spreadsheet. I can’t tell you what that says at the moment, but time will tell on that,” she said.

“And I think the reality is too is you’ve got to be prepared to pivot and adapt. We’ll get niggles, we’ll get injuries and sometimes those rests will force themselves. So we’ve got a bit of a plan, but we’re ready to move.”

Black Ferns team to play Wallaroos

Black Ferns: 1. Chryss Viliko, 2. Georgia Ponsonby, 3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, 4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 5. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, 6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, 7. Elinor-Plum King, 8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker, 9. Maia Joseph, 10. Ruahei Demant, 11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga, 12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt, 13. Amy du Plessis 14. Mererangi Paul, 15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee.

Bench: 16. Vici-Rose Green, 17. Maddison Robinson, 18. Santo Taumata, 19. Amarante Sititi, 20. Mia Anderson, 21. Ariana Bayler, 22. Hannah King, 23. Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a.

Unavailable: Layla Sae (knee), Mo’omo’oga Palu (concussion), Tara Turner (hamstring).

Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.