Kennedy Tukuafu (nee Simon) of New Zealand. New Zealand Black Ferns v Ireland Women, 2024 WXV1 women’s rugby union match at BC Place, Vancouver, Canada on Sunday 29 September 2024. Photo: Paul Yates / www.photosport.nz Photo: Paul Yates / www.photosport.nz
Following the loss to England earlier this week, the Black Ferns have dropped co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu among five changes to their starting XV for Sunday's WXV clash with France in Vancouver, their final test of the year.
The Black Ferns are out of WXV title contention following defeats to Ireland and England in their first two games of the tournament.
Hooker Georgia Ponsonby anchors the scrum once again with loosehead prop Kate Henwood and tighthead prop Amy Rule promoted to the starting front row.
Amy Rule on the burst for the Black Ferns against Ireland in Vancouver. 2024. Photo: Paul Yates / www.photosport.nz
Chryss Viliko and Tanya Kalounivale drop to the reserves as front row cover, alongside Atlanta Lolohea.
Loose forward Layla Sae has been given an opportunity at openside, replacing Tukuafu in the starting side.
Liana Mikaele-Tu'u and Kaipo Olsen-Baker remain unchanged at blindside and number eight.
Halfback Iritana Hohaia will start for the first time this tour in place of Maia Joseph who's been benched.
However, Hannah King, who struggled against England, remains at first-five.
The Black Ferns midfield duo of co-captain Ruahei Demant and Logo-i-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt is unchanged alongside wingers Katelyn Vahaakolo and Ayesha Leti-I'iga.
Mererangi Paul in the Black Ferns v Ireland Women WXV1 tournament in Canada in September 2024. Photo: Photosport / Paul Yates
Versatile back Mererangi Paul will start at fullback with Renee Holmes moving to the reserves.
Utility back Patricia Maliepo earns her spot for the first time during the end of year tour, named in jersey 22.
Black Ferns head coach Allan Bunting said France will provide another strong challenge.
"Our group are determined to finish well this weekend. We have been through some challenging times; we've seen progression in certain areas of our game, but we need to be more accurate and consistent across the park.
"Collectively we have shifted onto France, who we know can be a formidable and unpredictable side. Fortunately, we get another opportunity this week to show all the hard work we have been doing," Bunting said.
Sunday morning's match (11:45am NZT) will be the 12th test between the two sides, with the Black Ferns winning six of those encounters.
A loss could result in New Zealand finishing bottom of the six team WXV1 competition.
Black Ferns team to play France in Vancouver is (Test caps in brackets);
1. Kate Henwood (7)
2. Georgia Ponsonby (26)
3. Amy Rule (26)
4. Alana Bremner (24)
5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (28)
6. Liana Mikaele-Tu'u (25)
7. Layla Sae (10)
8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (8)
9. Iritana Hohaia (13)
10. Hannah King (6)
11. Katelyn Vahaakolo (13)
12. Ruahei Demant (40) (Co-Captain)
13. Logo-i-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt (20)
14. Ayesha Leti-I'iga (23)
15. Mererangi Paul (11)
16. Atlanta Lolohea (4)
17. Chryss Viliko (9)
18. Tanya Kalounivale (17)
19. Maama Mo'onia Vaipulu (4)
20. Kennedy Tukuafu (nee Simon) (26) (Co-Captain)
21. Maia Joseph (7)
22. Patricia Maliepo (9)
23. Renee Holmes (21)
