Teams Confirmed for Black Ferns Battle with Wales

The WXV1 rolls on for the second weekend of action, with Wales and New Zealand both looking for their first wins of the competition. Despite putting out a strong attacking performance, Wales’ defence fell apart against Canada, with the North Americans recording a 42-22 win.

New Zealand then lost their first match since November 2021, as France stunned the tournament hosts with a narrow 18-17 triumph. The Black Ferns were last defeated in the 29-7 loss to Les Bleus, with Gaëlle Mignot and David Ortiz’ side putting an end to their 16 match winning streak. This defeat was also the Black Ferns’ first home soil loss, since their 29-21 defeat to England back in 2017.

Historically, the odds have been weighed up in New Zealand’s favour for this match, as the Black Ferns have won all six of their competitive test matches against Wales. This match will be the first time the two sides have met outside of the Rugby World Cup, and have recent experience playing against one another from last year’s tournament. Wales and New Zealand met in the pool stages (56-12) and quarter-finals (55-3) of the competition, with New Zealand getting the one-sided win on each occasion.

NEW ZEALAND WOMEN’S TEAM TO PLAY WALES

There has been four changes made to the Black Ferns side, following their opening round defeat to France. Three changes are made in the forwards, with just one alteration coming in the back-line. Loose-head prop Kate Henwood, second-row Chelsea Bremner and back row Layla Sae are awarded their first starts in the WXV. Explosive break-out winger Mererangi Paul also earns her maiden test start in the competition, on her 25th birthday no less.

15. Renee Holmes 14. Ruby Tui 13. Amy du Plessis 12. Sylvia Brunt 11. Mererangi Paul 10. Ruahei Demant 9. Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu 1. Kate Henwood 2. Georgia Ponsonby 3. Amy Rule 4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos 5. Chelsea Bremner 6. Layla Sae 7. Kennedy Simon 8. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u

16. Luka Connor 17. Krystal Murray 18. Tanya Kalounivale 19. Alana Bremner 20. Lucy Jenkins 21. Iritana Hohaia 22. Patricia Maliepo 23. Martha Mataele

WALES WOMEN’S TEAM TO PLAY NEW ZEALAND

There are seven changes to this Wales side, with Ioan Cunningham re-freshinghis team following the defeat to Canada. Just one month after making herWales debut, 18-year-old Nel Metcalfe gets set for her first test start, as shelines up against the Black Ferns at fullback. Gloucester-Hartpury’s Premiership-winninghooker Kelsey Jones returns at hooker, with Donna Rose starting at prop for the

first time since facing New Zealand in the 2021 Rugby World Cup.