Rugby: Sevens stars to feature in Black Ferns' Pacific Four decider
Photo:
AAP / www.photosport.nz
Four debutantes, including two sevens stars, have been named in the Black Ferns line-up for their last Pacific Four (PAC4) game against the US in Albany on Saturday.
Olympic gold medal winning sevens players Jorja Miller and Risaleaana Pouri-Lane will start at openside flanker and half-back respectively.
Chiefs Manawa front rowers Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu and Vici-Rose Green are the other two debutantes, with Mahutariki-Fakalelu starting and Green on the bench.
There are eight changes to the starting XV from the side that drew with Canada last weekend.
In the front row, prop Mahutariki-Fakalelu will start alongside Kate Henwood and hooker Georgia Ponsonby who celebrates her 30th Test milestone. Miller, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u and Kaipo Olsen-Baker form the loose-forward trio.
Theresa Setefano and Stacey Waaka combine in the midfield for their first test since starring in the Rugby World Cup Final in 2022, while there is an all-Blues back three of Katelyn Vahaakolo, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and Braxton Sorensen-McGee.
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe of the Black Ferns in action against Canada, 2025.
Photo:
© Photosport Ltd 2025 www.photosport.nz
Black Ferns director of performance Allan Bunting said he was excited to provide them with the opportunity.
"We are delighted to see our four players get a chance to don this black jersey for the first time. This is going to be a special moment for them to play in front of their whānau and friends. Veisinia and Vici-Rose have been with us since our first training camp. They have worked hard and done the learning, while showing their commitment to the team by helping them prepare for the last two Tests. It's now their time.
"Jorja and Risaleaana, who joined us last week following their successful sevens World Series campaign, have slotted in seamlessly. They are great humans and diligent athletes, we look forward to watching them do their thing this weekend."
The Black Ferns currently lead the PAC4 standings on points difference from Canada.
Canada play Australia in the other game this weekend.
1. Kate Henwood
2. Georgia Ponsonby
4. Alana Bremner
5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos
6. Liana Mikaele-Tu'u
8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker
10. Ruahei Demant (cc)
11. Katelyn Vahaakolo
12. Theresa Setefano
13. Stacey Waaka
14. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe
15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee
17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu
18. Tanya Kalounivale
19. Chelsea Bremner
20. Kennedy Tukuafu (cc)
21. Maia Joseph
22. Hannah King
23. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i Sylvia Brunt
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