Blues fullback Braxton Sorensen-McGee is set to make her international debut. Photo: Photosport
Wallaroos v Black Ferns
Kick-off: 5pm Saturday 10 May
Newcastle International Sports Centre
Blues teenage star Braxton Sorensen-McGee is the only debutant in the Black Ferns team for their first test of the year.
The 18-year-old has been named to start at fullback for Saturday night's clash with Australia in Newcastle. The match doubles as the opening Pacific Four Series test and first O'Reilly Cup match.
Braxton Sorensen-McGee of the Blues scores a try, 2025. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Black Ferns head coach Allan Bunting said he's been impressed with how Sorensen-McGee has conducted herself in camp.
"We're super excited for Braxton and we are looking forward to seeing her in the black jersey, it's going to be a proud moment for her and her whānau," Bunting said.
"Selections have been awarded on consistent form through Super Rugby Aupiki and we are allowing more time for players who weren't selected to learn and settle into our environment. I've also been really impressed with the attitude within our group."
Loosehead prop Awhina Tangen-Wainohu is set to play her first test since the 2021 World Cup (played in 2022 due to Covid) after being selected on the bench.
Awhina Tangen-Wainohu of New Zealand in action during the 2021 World Cup. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Hooker Georgia Ponsonby anchors the scrum alongside props Chryss Viliko and Tanya Kalounivale.
Alana Bremner and Maiakawanakaulani Roos make up the locking duo, while co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu and Layla Sae have been named in the loose forwards.
Kaipo Olsen-Baker, last year's Black Ferns Player of the Year, completes the forward pack at No 8.
In the backs, co-captain Ruahei Demant starts at first-five outside halfback Maia Joseph.
Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i Sylvia Brunt and Amy du Plessis make up the midfield, while Ayesha Leti-I'iga and Katelyn Vahaakolo are on the wings.
Katelyn Vahaakolo of the Black Ferns scores a try. Photo: Joe Toth/ActionPress
Atlanta Lolohea, Amy Rule, Maama Mo'onia Vaipulu, Dhys Faleafaga, Iritana Hohaia, Hannah King and Mererangi Paul have been named as replacements.
Roos will play her 30th test and du Plessis her 20th.
The Black Ferns are seeking to retain their Pacific Four title after losing it to Canada last year. The match also marks the start of their journey towards this year's World Cup title defence.
Saturday's test is the first to be played in 2025 for the Laurie O'Reilly Cup, honouring the legacy O'Reilly created for the women's game in Aotearoa. He was the first Black Ferns coach.
"This week is important to us, Laurie O'Reilly paved the way for women's rugby through some tough times in Aotearoa. We know Australia will be a great challenge at this stage of our journey and we want to ensure that we have a strong start to our campaign. The focus lies with us, deepening our connections and playing our game as we continue to build throughout PAC4," Bunting said.
Black Ferns v Australia
1. Chryss Viliko
2. Georgia Ponsonby
3. Tanya Kalounivale
4. Alana Bremner
5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos
6. Layla Sae
7. Kennedy Tukuafu (co-captain)
8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker
9. Maia Joseph
10. Ruahei Demant (co-captain)
11. Katelyn Vahaakolo
12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i Sylvia Brunt
13. Amy du Plessis
14. Ayesha Leti-I'iga
15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee*
16. Atlanta Lolohea
17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu
18. Amy Rule
19. Maama Mo'onia Vaipulu
20. Dhys Faleafaga
21. Iritana Hohaia
22. Hannah King
23. Mererangi Paul
