Black Ferns co-captain Kennedy Simon will finally get some World Cup action after being named on the bench for Saturday's quarter-final against Wales in Whangarei.
Kennedy Simon in action against the NZ Barbarians. Photo: Brett Phibbs
Simon missed the pool games through injury.
The loose forward has been plauged by injuries this year, her latest was to her achilles.
She'll will make her World Cup debut off the bench, while Stacey Fluhler, Ruby Tui and Portia Woodman all returning to the starting backline.
There is just one change to the starting forward pack with Chelsea Bremner joining up with Maiakawanakaulani Roos in the second row.
Co-Captain Ruahei Demant returns to the starting line-up at first five-eighths, connecting with Kendra Cocksedge at halfback, while Theresa Fitzpatrick and Stacey Fluhler combine in the midfield for the first time this season.
A powerful back three of Ayesha Leti-I'iga, Portia Woodman and Ruby Tui round out the exciting starting line-up.
The Black Ferns met Wales in week two of the Rugby World Cup, securing a 56-12 victory at Waitakere Stadium.
Assistant Coach Wesley Clarke said the team is thankful to face another northern hemisphere opponent in the quarter-finals.
"We are going to get some mauls and some good scrums; where they really challenged us last time, so that is a good thing.
"There was a lot of stuff in our last game that wasn't up to our standards so that is what we have been focusing on this week," said Clarke.
Black Ferns co-captains Ruahei Demant and Kennedy Simon. Photo: Photosport / World Rugby 2022
The Black Ferns team is (caps);
1. Phillipa Love (22)
2. Georgia Ponsonby (10)
3. Amy Rule (9)
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (11)
5. Chelsea Bremner (9)
6. Alana Bremner (10)
7. Sarah Hirini (14)
8. Liana Mikaele-Tu'u (9)
9. Kendra Cocksedge (65)
10. Ruahei Demant (24)
11. Ayesha Leti-I'iga (18)
12.Theresa Fitzpatrick (15)
13. Stacey Fluhler (22)
14. Portia Woodman (22)
15. Ruby Tui (7)
16. Luka Connor (11)
17. Krystal Murray (6)
18. Santo Taumata (4)
19.Joanah Ngan-Woo (14)
20. Kennedy Simon (10)
21. Ariana Bayler (6)
22. Hazel Tubic (20)
23. Renee Holmes (7)
