EIGHT nib BLUES NAMED FOR BLACK FERNS OPENER
The nib Blues will have a strong presence in the Black Ferns’ opening clash of the Pacific Four Series against USA in Sacramento this weekend, with eight players selected in the match-day squad.
Leading the Blues contingent is co-captain Ruahei Demant, who is set to make history as she becomes the most capped captain in Black Ferns history, bringing up her 36th Test as skipper.
Demant will steer the side from first five-eighth, continuing her influential leadership role on the international stage.
Up front, Chryss Viliko reaches a significant milestone of her own, set to earn her 20th Test cap, while Liana Mikaele-Tu’u adds impact in the loose forwards.
In the second row, Maia Roos earns selection in the starting pack, continuing her rise as one of the game’s premier young locks.
The Blues’ presence extends across the park, with Sylvia Brunt named in the midfield and Mererangi Paul bringing speed on the wing in the starting XV.
A further two Blues forwards, Maama Vaipulu and Tara Turner, have been named on the bench, with Turner in line to make her Black Ferns debut - a proud moment for the young halfback and the Blues programme.
The match also marks the first outing of the year for the Black Ferns as they continue to build toward a busy international season.
The match kicks off on Sunday at 11.00am NZT and will be broadcast live on Sky Sport.
Black Ferns v USA (Test caps):
1. Chryss Viliko (19)
2. Georgia Ponsonby (37)
3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (3)
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (38)
5. Laura Bayfield (6)
6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (35)
7. Kennedy Tukuafu (34) co-captain
8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (16)
9. Maia Joseph (16)
10. Ruahei Demant (51) co-captain
11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga (30)
12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (29)
13. Amy Du’Plessis (22)
14. Mererangi Paul (14)
15. Renee Holmes (29)
16. Vici-Rose Green (5)
17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu (10)
18. Tanya Kalounivale (27)
19. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (7)
20. Mia Anderson*
21. Tara Turner*
22. Hannah King (10)
23. Justine McGregor*