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international women
Kaipo Olsen-Baker is back in action and has been named in the Black Ferns’ starting XV for their test against the Red Roses on Saturday 26th September.
With over 50,000 fans expected at the Allianz Stadium for the clash of fierce rivals, the Black Ferns’ final test at WXV Global Series in the Northern Hemisphere promises to deliver some blockbuster entertainment.
Black Ferns coach Whitney Hansen called her match day on the 23rd, with Olsen-Baker, wing Ayesha Leti-I’ig and lock Laura Bayfield returning, and after overcoming Scotland in a ten-try 66-14 win at the Hive in Edinburgh, the side will look to continue their 100 per cent winning record under her leadership.
Loosehead prop Chyrss Viliko and hardhead prop Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu will make up the front row, along with captain Georgia Ponsonby at hook.
Maiakawanakaulani Roos will partner Laura Bayfield in the second row, while loose forwards Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Elinor Plum-King and number eight Kaipo Olsen-Baker complete the forward pack.
The Black Ferns’ halfbacks will be Maia Joseph and Hannah King, with Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atati’i Sylvia Brunt and Amy Du Plessis in midfield.
In the back three, Braxton Sorensen-McGee starts at fullback, with Ayesha Leti-I’iga and Mererangi Paul on the wings.
On the bench, Atlanta Lolohea, Maddison Robinson and Santo Taumata, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu and Layla Sae were named as forward substitutes, with Tara Turner, who was named player of the match against Scotland, joining Justine McGregor and Alena Saili in the backline.
Whitney Hansen, Black Ferns head coach, said: “Our players are built differently, we are made for these moments. We have continued to grow each week and are excited to put our rugby identity to the test against England, who are currently number one in the world.”
“On behalf of the Black Ferns, I would like to thank all our supporters both in the stadium and at home who have turned up in the early hours to support us throughout this campaign. We feel your aroha (love) and it is greatly appreciated. We also look forward to seeing you all at our home French Test series in October.”
2026 WXV Global Series | Black Ferns match day squad against England
15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee (13)
14. Fighting Paul (20)
13. Amy Du Plessis (29)
12. Logo-In-Wall Lamp-Artist Sylvia Brunt (36)
11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga (35)
10. Hannah King (17)
9. Maia Joseph (23)
1. Chryss Viliko (25)
2. Georgia Ponsonby (44) – Captain
3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (10)
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (45)
5. Laura Bayfield (11)
6. Liana Mikaele-Tutu (42)
7. Elinor-Plum King (4)
8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (20)
Substitutions
16. Atlanta Lolohea (13)
17. Maddison Robinson (7)
Level 18 Santo (10)
19. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (14)
20. Layla Sae (21)
21. Tara Turner (6)
22. Justine McGregor (6)
23. Alena Saili (7)
Unavailable due to injury: Mia Anderson (calf)
