{"id":22765,"date":"2025-08-22T21:00:42","date_gmt":"2025-08-22T09:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/?p=22765"},"modified":"2025-08-22T22:25:42","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T10:25:42","slug":"black-ferns-named-to-begin-womens-rugby-world-cup-campaign-against-spain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/2025\/08\/22\/black-ferns-named-to-begin-womens-rugby-world-cup-campaign-against-spain\/","title":{"rendered":"Black Ferns named to begin Women\u2019s Rugby World Cup campaign against Spain"},"content":{"rendered":"

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).<\/p>\n

The side will see 11 changes from the starting XV that defeated Australia in Wellington, with halfback Maia Joseph, centre Amy du Plessis and outside backs Ayesha Leti-I\u2019iga and Braxton Sorensen McGee returning from injury. Kaipo Olsen-Baker also returns to the action off the bench.<\/p>\n

In the front row, Vici-Rose Green anchors the scrum alongside props Awhina Tangen-Wainohu and Amy Rule. Alana Bremner picks up co-captaincy duties in absence of Kennedy Tukuafu and runs out for her 30th Test match beside her sister Chelsea Bremner in the locks. Layla Sae and Jorja Miller will start in the loose forwards, while Liana Mikaele-Tu\u2019u also celebrates her 30th Test milestone in the no. 8 jersey.<\/p>\n

Black Ferns stalwart Kelly Brazier kickstarts her fourth World Cup campaign in the first five-eighth jersey alongside halfback Joseph. Theresa Setefano will mark her 20th Test in the midfield alongside Du Plessis, while Leti-I\u2019iga and Sorensen-McGee look to bring plenty of pace on the wings. Renee Holmes completes the starting XV at fullback.<\/p>\n

An experienced bench sees Georgia Ponsonby, Chryss Viliko, Tanya Kalounivale, and Olsen-Baker named as forwards cover alongside recent debutant Laura Bayfield. Playmakers Ruahei Demant and Risaleaana Pouri-Lane, and winger Portia Woodman-Wickliffe are the remaining reinforcements.<\/p>\n

Black Ferns Director of Performance Allan Bunting said the team have settled into England well and are ready to go.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve had a few days to acclimatise, enjoy the warmer weather in York before shifting our focus to the match against Spain. We believe the selected team will start our World Cup campaign strong. It\u2019s going to be an absolute honour for our w\u0101hine to walk out on that field and really stamp their mark,\u201d Bunting said.<\/p>\n

The last time the Black Ferns met Spain was in 1998 where they won 46-3 in a Rugby World Cup pool match in Amsterdam.<\/p>\n

The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sport 1 in New Zealand with highlights available on NZR+ and Black Ferns YouTube<\/a> (four hours after the final whistle).<\/p>\n

Black Ferns team v Spain (Test caps):<\/strong><\/p>\n

1.\u00a0Awhina Tangen-Wainohu (7)
\n2. Vici-Rose Green (2)
\n3. Amy Rule (30)
\n4. Alana Bremner (29) \u2013 Co-captain
\n5. Chelsea Bremner (22)
\n6. Layla Sae (14)
\n7. Jorja Miller (2)
\n8. Liana Mikaele-Tu\u2019u (29)
\n9. Maia Joseph (11)
\n10. Kelly Brazier (43)
\n11. Ayesha Leti-I\u2019iga (26)
\n12. Theresa Setefano (19)
\n13. Amy du Plessis (21)
\n14. Braxton Sorensen-McGee (3)
\n15. Renee Holmes (23)<\/p>\n

16. Georgia Ponsonby (31)
\n17. Chryss Viliko (13)
\n18. Tanya Kalounivale (22)
\n19. Laura Bayfield (1)
\n20. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (12)
\n21. Risaleaana Pouri-Lane (2)
\n22. Ruahei Demant (45) \u2013 Co-captain
\n23. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (27)<\/p>\n

Black Ferns facts:<\/strong><\/p>\n