The Black Ferns have welcomed Grace Brooker back into the squad for the first time since the midfielder’s AFL outing last year and have announced two further changes to their squad for the three-Test series against France starts next week.
Captain Matatua rejoins the national squad as both Alena Saili and Maia Davis turn their attention to the upcoming Black Ferns Sevens season. The squad has been reduced from 31 to 30 for the new campaign.
“Grace brings a real level of diligence and experience to the group,” Black Ferns coach Whitney Hansen said. “Her understanding of the game combined with her ability to lead is invaluable, especially when it comes to preparing the team and challenging those around her to be better. We look forward to getting back into the environment.”
There is good news on the injury front for New Zealand, with both Ruahei Demant and Mia Anderson managing their calf injuries well during the away leg of the WXV Global Series. Both have been named to the squad, with Demant returning to on-court action while Anderson’s timeline remains unclear.
The return of the experienced playmaker also brings exciting news for Wellington fans, with Arena Landon-Lane returning to the region ahead of this weekend’s FPC decider.
Black Ferns squad for WXV Global Series update
Loosehead Props?
Chryss Viliko (25, Blues, Auckland, 25)
Maddison Robinson (25, Matat?, Canterbury, 8)
Ngano Tavake (25, Poua Hurricanes, Manawat?, 1)
Whores
Vici-Rose Green (24, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 9)
Atlanta Lolohea (23, Blues, Canterbury, 14)
Georgia Ponsonby (26, Matat?, Canterbury, 45)
Tighthead Props?
Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (21, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 11)
Momomogoga Palu (25, Hurricanes Poua, Hawke’s Bay, 2)
Holy People (23, Matat?, Bay of Plenty, 11)
Locks
Maiakawanakaulani Roos (25, Blues, Auckland, 46)
Laura Bayfield (27, Matat?, Canterbury, 12)
Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (23, Blues, Auckland, 15)
Amarante Street (19, Blues, Auckland, 3)
Loose forward?
Mia Anderson (24, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 7)
Liana Michael-Turk (24, Blues, Auckland, 43)
Kaipo Olsen-Baker (24, Matat?, Manawat?, 21)
Elinor-Plum King (22, Matat?, Manawat?, 5)
Layla Sae (25, Hurricanes Poua, Manawat?, 22)
Halfbacks
Maia Joseph (24, Matat?, Otago, 24)
Tara Turner (22, Blues, Northland, 7)
First-five-eighths?
Ruahei Demant (31, Blues, Auckland, 56)
Hannah King (22, Matat?, Canterbury, 18)
Midfield?
Logo-In-Door Lamp-Light Sylvia Brunt (22, Blues, Auckland, 37)
Justine McGregor (20, Chiefs Manawa, Black Ferns Sevens, 7)
Amy Du Plessis (27, Matat?, Canterbury, 30)
Grace Brooker (27, Matat?, Canterbury, 5)
Outer back
Ayesha Leti-I’iga (27, Hurricanes Poua, Wellington, 36)
Mererangi Paul (27, Blues, Counties Manukau, 21)
Braxton Sorensen-McGee (19, Blues, Black Ferns Sevens, 14)
Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a (20, Chiefs Manawa, 3)