Sylvia Brunt the fourth try by Katelyn Vahaakolo, Black Ferns v Wallaroos 2024. Photo: Matthew Starling/ActionPress
Kick-off: 5pm Saturday 10 May
McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Live blog updates on RNZ Sport
The Black Ferns' big year starts this evening in Newcastle, as they use the Pacific Four Series to build for the World Cup. There should be a feeling of redemption in this tournament Allan Bunting's team, their loss to Canada last year meant it was the first time they'd failed to win the Pac 4. A competitive Super Rugby Aupiki followed by an intense training camp has meant some tough calls with selections, as the team prepares for their ultimate goal in August.
Team Lists
Black Ferns: 1. Chryss Viliko 2. Georgia Ponsonby 3. Tanya Kalounivale 4. Alana Bremner 5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos 6. Layla Sae 7. Kennedy Tukuafu (cc) 8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker 9. Maia Joseph 10. Ruahei Demant (cc) 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
Bench: 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
Wallaroos: 1. Martha Fua, 2. Katalina Amosa, 3. Eva Karpani, 4. Kaitlan Leaney, 5. Michaela Leonard, 6. Siokapesi Palu, 7. Emily Chancellor, 8. Tabua Tuinakauvadra, 9. Layne Morgan, 10. Tia Hinds, 11. Desiree Miller, 12. Cecilia Smith, 13. Georgina Friedrichs, 14. Charlotte Caslick, 15. Faitala Moleka
Bench: 16. Tania Naden, 17. Lydia Kavoa, 18. Bridie O'Gorman, 19. Tiarah Minns, 20. Ashley Marsters, 21. Natalie Wright, 22. Trilleen Pomare, 23. Lori Cramer
Black Ferns Selections
Braxton Sorensen-McGee makes a break for the Blues in the Super Rugby Aupiki grand final against Matatū at Eden Park, 12 April, 2025. Photo: Photosport
Eighteen-year-old Braxton Sorensen-McGee reaps the rewards from her season performance, being the only debutant in the Black Ferns team for this weekend's match.
Loosehead prop Awhina Tangen-Wainohu is set to return to the international stage after a three-year hiatus. Last year's Black Ferns Player of the Year Kaipo Olsen-Baker will complete the forward pack at No.8. Kennedy Tukuafu, and Ruahei Demant have been named as co-captains. Head coach Allan Bunting shared that selections were made based on form throughout the Super Rugby Aupiki season.
Wallaroos Selections
Charlotte Caslick of Australia. Photo: DJ Mills/Photosport
Coach Jo Yapp has made six changes to the team that comfortably beat Fiji last weekend, most notably Tia Hinds at first five to link up with experienced halfback Layne Morgan. Sevens star Charlotte Caslick gets her first start on the wing, however, there looks to be a bit of a gamble up front with the inexperienced Martha Fua and Katalina Amosa starting at prop and hooker.
What they're saying
"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 Pacific Four" - Black Ferns coach Allan Bunting.
"It's been a busy week, but we are pleased with how the players have handled the travel from Fiji to Newcastle and we're looking forward to playing on home soil for the first time." - Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp.
The last time they met
Black Ferns 62-0 Wallaroos
The second time in two matches that the Black Ferns gashed the Wallaroos for 60 points, this was little more than a glorified training run in Brisbane. They scored nine tries, including four to Katelyn Vaha'akolo and a one on debut to replacement Atlanta Lolohea.
What's going to happen
The Wallaroos have admittedly improved since that last meeting, and the inclusion of Sevens players like Caslick and Hinds has had evident impact on the squad. But the Black Ferns are clearly a class above and should win this one with relative ease - if not, there might be a few alarm bells ringing with a World Cup just around the corner.
