The Black Ferns coaching group have named their match-day 23 to play England in their second Test of the WXV1 Tournament at Langley Events Centre in Langley.
\nLive on Sky Sport NZ: Monday 7 October, Black Ferns v England, 9.00am (NZST).<\/p>\n
Black Ferns team to play England is (Test caps in brackets);<\/strong> 16. Atlanta Lolohea (3) Unavailable due to injury: Amy du Plessis (concussion).<\/p>\n In another highly anticipated encounter against rivals England, skilful midfielder Logo-i-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i (Sylvia) Brunt is set to start at centre in her 20th Test.<\/p>\n Black Ferns Director of Rugby Allan Bunting congratulated Brunt on the upcoming milestone, highlighting her talent.<\/p>\n \u201cSylvia is an authentic player, her skill, power, and agility is special, and she is developing into a great player. To see her growth as an individual both on and off the field is credit to her dedication to this jersey.\u201d<\/p>\n Several changes have been made to the playing twenty-three aiming to bounce back from last weekend\u2019s defeat against Ireland.<\/p>\n Loosehead prop Chryss Viliko, hooker Georgia Ponsonby and tighthead prop Tanya Kalounivale return to the starting front row. Following a strong performance off the bench Alana Bremner is named to start alongside Maiakawanakaulani Roos as the preferred locking duo. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u shifts back to number six with Layla Sae moving to the bench, making way for powerful number 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker.<\/p>\n In the backs, halfback Maia Joseph and first five-eighth Hannah King are set to start together, with experienced Black Ferns co-captain Ruahei Demant shifting to second five-eighth, combing alongside Brunt in the midfield. Electric winger Ayesha Leti-I’iga returns to start on the right wing.<\/p>\n Loosehead prop Kate Henwood returns to the twenty-three alongside lock Maama Mo\u2019onia Vaipulu.<\/p>\n Bunting said it will be a great test for the team.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have been through some real adversity and have taken some critical learnings as a whole group. I have been very impressed with how quickly our w\u0101hine have bounced back on task.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe wanted more quality Test matches, and we are certainly getting that. Once again, we have the opportunity to play England this week and I know there is a real desire to put on a performance we are proud of,\u201d said Bunting.<\/p>\n Key Facts:<\/strong><\/p>\n This will be Logo-i-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i (Sylvia) Brunt\u2019s 20th Test for the Black Ferns. WXV 1 Tournament<\/strong> England Test<\/strong> The Black Ferns coaching group have named their match-day 23 to play England in their second Test of the WXV1 Tournament at Langley Events Centre in Langley. Live on Sky Sport NZ: Monday 7 October, Black Ferns v England, 9.00am (NZST). Black Ferns team to play England is (Test caps in brackets); 1. Chryss Viliko…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":21717,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21716","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rugbyheartland-news"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/bfvsrr24__FocusFillWyItMC4wMyIsIi0wLjQ5IiwxMTAwLDQzMF0.jpg?fit=1100%2C430&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p4wlzH-5Eg","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":5075,"url":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/2016\/11\/26\/black-ferns-to-play-ireland-in-final-test-named\/","url_meta":{"origin":21716,"position":0},"title":"Black Ferns to play Ireland in final Test named","author":"admin_hland","date":"November 26, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Follow @RedefinedRugby Black Ferns to play Ireland in final Test named LIVE STREAMING The Test match will be live streamed here: https:\/\/youtu.be\/UbaqVrgmCrQ The Black Ferns will look to make it three wins from three Tests on Monday morning (NZT) when they take on Ireland in Dublin. Head Coach Glenn Moore\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "RugbyHeartland News"","block_context":{"text":"RugbyHeartland News","link":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/category\/rugbyheartland-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/rhld_nzNews.jpg?fit=1024%2C356&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/rhld_nzNews.jpg?fit=1024%2C356&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/rhld_nzNews.jpg?fit=1024%2C356&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/rhld_nzNews.jpg?fit=1024%2C356&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":21633,"url":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/2024\/09\/14\/preview-black-ferns-v-england-london\/","url_meta":{"origin":21716,"position":1},"title":"PREVIEW: Black Ferns v England (London)","author":"Kevin Hare","date":"September 14, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"The Black Ferns face the biggest challenge in women\u2019s rugby this weekend when they attempt to conquer England at Allianz Stadium (formerly Twickenham) this weekend. The Red Roses have won 16 Tests in a row since losing to the Black Ferns in the 2021 Rugby World Cup final at Eden\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "RugbyHeartland News"","block_context":{"text":"RugbyHeartland News","link":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/category\/rugbyheartland-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/h_00152510__FocusFillWyIwLjAwIiwiMC4wMCIsMTEwMCw0MzBd.jpg?fit=1100%2C430&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/h_00152510__FocusFillWyIwLjAwIiwiMC4wMCIsMTEwMCw0MzBd.jpg?fit=1100%2C430&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/h_00152510__FocusFillWyIwLjAwIiwiMC4wMCIsMTEwMCw0MzBd.jpg?fit=1100%2C430&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/h_00152510__FocusFillWyIwLjAwIiwiMC4wMCIsMTEwMCw0MzBd.jpg?fit=1100%2C430&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/h_00152510__FocusFillWyIwLjAwIiwiMC4wMCIsMTEwMCw0MzBd.jpg?fit=1100%2C430&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":19756,"url":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/2023\/10\/26\/black-ferns-named-to-face-wales-in-their-first-test-at-forsyth-barr-stadium\/","url_meta":{"origin":21716,"position":2},"title":"Black Ferns named to face Wales in their first Test at Forsyth Barr Stadium","author":"admin_hland","date":"October 26, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Black Fern Layla Sae, named for her first Test start. 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Photo credit: NZ Rugby. The Black Ferns coaches have named a powerful match day 23 to face Canada in their second Test match of the Pacific Four Series. The teams will go head-to-head at TD Stadium, in Ottawa, on\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "RugbyHeartland News"","block_context":{"text":"RugbyHeartland News","link":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/category\/rugbyheartland-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/bfcan2.jpg?fit=1200%2C600&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/bfcan2.jpg?fit=1200%2C600&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/bfcan2.jpg?fit=1200%2C600&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/bfcan2.jpg?fit=1200%2C600&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/bfcan2.jpg?fit=1200%2C600&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":22765,"url":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/2025\/08\/22\/black-ferns-named-to-begin-womens-rugby-world-cup-campaign-against-spain\/","url_meta":{"origin":21716,"position":4},"title":"Black Ferns named to begin Women\u2019s Rugby World Cup campaign against Spain","author":"Kevin Hare","date":"August 22, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"The Black Ferns coaching group have named their match-day 23 to play Spain in their opening game of the Women\u2019s Rugby World Cup at York Community Stadium on Sunday, August 24, 5.30pm BST (August 25, 4.30am NZT). The side will see 11 changes from the starting XV that defeated Australia\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "RugbyHeartland News"","block_context":{"text":"RugbyHeartland News","link":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/category\/rugbyheartland-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/bf4.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/bf4.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/bf4.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/bf4.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/bf4.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12889,"url":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/2020\/11\/10\/new-captain-to-lead-2020-black-ferns\/","url_meta":{"origin":21716,"position":5},"title":"New captain to lead 2020 Black Ferns","author":"admin_hland","date":"November 10, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Eloise Blackwell named as Black Ferns captain Nine new caps included Preparation begins for Rugby World Cup 2021 Auckland\u2019s Eloise Blackwell (Ng\u0101tiwai, Ng\u0101ti Maru) will lead the 2020 Black Ferns, in a squad that includes nine uncapped players. Blackwell, a 29-year-old lock from Great Barrier Island (Aotea), made her debut\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "RugbyHeartland News"","block_context":{"text":"RugbyHeartland News","link":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/category\/rugbyheartland-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/blackferns_larg.jpg?fit=995%2C621&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/blackferns_larg.jpg?fit=995%2C621&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/blackferns_larg.jpg?fit=995%2C621&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/blackferns_larg.jpg?fit=995%2C621&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21716","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21716"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21716\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21719,"href":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21716\/revisions\/21719"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21717"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21716"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21716"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21716"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\n1. Chryss Viliko (8)
\n2. Georgia Ponsonby (25)
\n3. Tanya Kalounivale (16)
\n4. Alana Bremner (23)
\n5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (27)
\n6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (24)
\n7. Kennedy Tukuafu (nee Simon) (25) (Co-Captain)
\n8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (7)
\n9. Maia Joseph (6)
\n10. Hannah King (5)
\n11. Katelyn Vahaakolo (12)
\n12. Ruahei Demant (39) (Co-Captain)
\n13. Logo-i-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i (Sylvia) Brunt (19)
\n14. Ayesha Leti-I’iga (22)
\n15. Renee Holmes (20)<\/p>\n
\n17. Kate Henwood (6)
\n18. Amy Rule (25)
\n19. Maama Mo\u2019onia Vaipulu (3)
\n20. Layla Sae (9)
\n21. Iritana Hohaia (12)
\n22. Mererangi Paul (10)
\n23. Ruby Tui (18)<\/p>\n
\nThis will be the 33rd Test match between the Black Ferns and England. The Black Ferns have won 19 Tests, lost 12 and drawn once.
\nSeptember 14, 2024, was the last time the Black Ferns met England, this was played at Allianz Stadium (Twickenham), London. Score: 24 \u2013 12 (loss)
\nThe teams last met in WXV1 last year at Go Media Stadium in Auckland. Score: 12 \u2013 33 (loss)
\n2022 was the last time the Black Ferns won against England; this was the Rugby World Cup Final at Eden Park in Auckland. Score: 34 \u2013 31 (win).
\nBlack Ferns End of Year Tour Schedule (New Zealand times and dates listed)<\/p>\n
\nBlack Ferns v Ireland, Monday 30 September, 3.00pm, BC Place, VANCOUVER. Score: 27 – 29 (loss).
\nBlack Ferns v England, Monday 7 October, 9.00am, Langley Event Centre, LANGLEY.
\nBlack Ferns v France, Sunday 13 October, 11.45am, BC Place, VANCOUVER.<\/p>\n
\nBlack Ferns v England, 15 September, Allianz Stadium, LONDON. Score: 24 – 12 (loss).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"