women
international women
Whitney Hansen made seven changes to the Black Ferns starting XV that won France 28-14 last weekend.
This weekend, in their second WXV Global Series Match, Alena Saili has been named at inside centre, where she partners Amy du Plessis. Sylvia Brunt falls on the bench.
Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a was named on the wing and Tara Turner was given the nod at half-back. In the front row, Maddison Robinson is named at loosehead and Mo’omo’oga Palu earns his second cap at tighthead. Layla Sae, back after nine months out from an ACL injury, joins Elinor-Plum King and Mia Anderson in the back row. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu partners Laura Bayfield in the lock.
Loosehead prop Ngano Tavake and 20-year-old Black Ferns Sevens back Maia Davis are in line to make their Test debuts among the replacements.
Whitney Hansen, Head Coach of the Black Ferns, said: “While this campaign is certainly about increasing continuity and connections, the match against Scotland presents an exciting opportunity for some new talent to experience Test rugby. I want to congratulate Ngan and Maia on being named for their Black Ferns debut, it will be a special moment for them and their whanau.
“Ngano’s actions speak louder than her words. She is incredibly humble, hardworking and has continued to impress us with what she brings to the group, both on and off the court.”
“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 in the future, and this is just the start of something special for her and us.”
2026 WXV Global Series | Black Ferns Match Day 23 v Scotland
15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee (12)
14. Justine McGregor (5)
13. Amy Du Plessis (28)
12. Alena Saili (6)
11. Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a (2)
10. Hannah King (16)
9. Tara Turner (5)
1. Maddison Robinson (6)
2. Georgia Ponsonby (43) – Captain
3. Bone marrow (1)
4. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (13)
5. Laura Bayfield (11)
6. Layla Sae (20)
7. Elinor-Plum King (3)
8. Mia Anderson (6)
Substitutions
16. Vici-Rose Green (8)
17. Gano Tavake*
18. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (9)
19. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (44)
20. Amarante Street (2)
21. Maia Joseph (22)
22. Logo-In-Wall Lamp-Artist Sylvia Brunt (35)
23. Maia Davis*
*uncapped
