NINE nib BLUES LINE UP FOR BLACK FERNS

Nine nib Blues are set to line up when the Black Ferns take the field against the Wallaroos on the Sunshine Coast this Saturday.

In a landmark trans-Tasman fixture, Blues forwards Chryss Viliko, Maia Roos and Liana Mikaele-Tu’u have all been named in the starting pack, while co-captain Ruahei Demant will steer the side from first five alongside Sylvia Brunt at second five.

There is further Blues impact off the bench, with Atlanta Lolohea, Mererangi Paul, Maama Vaipulu and Tara Turner all selected to provide energy and experience.

The fixture marks the first time the Black Ferns and Wallaroos have met on Anzac Day, adding extra significance to an already fierce rivalry.

Black Ferns v Australia
(Test caps bracketed, denotes debut)

1. Chryss Viliko (20)
2. Georgia Ponsonby (39)
3. Mo’omo’oga Palu
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (40)
5. Laura Bayfield (8)
6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (37)
7. Kennedy Tukuafu (36) - co-captain
8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (18)
9. Maia Joseph (18)
10. Ruahei Demant (53) - co-captain 
11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga (32)
12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (31)
13. Amy Du’Plessis (24)
14. Justine McGregor (2)
15. Renee Holmes (31)

16. Atlanta Lolohea (10)
17. Maddison Robinson (2)
18. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (5) 
19. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (9)
20. Mia Anderson (2)
21. Tara Turner (2)
22. Hannah King (12)
23. Mererangi Paul (16)