Maama Vaipulu of Auckland and Chryss Viliko of Auckland celebrate winning the Farah Palmer Cup 2023. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Three debutants have been named in the first Black Ferns team of the year.
Lock Maama Mo'onia Vaipulu, halfback Maia Joseph and first-five Hannah King are in the matchday 23 to play the US in Saturday's opening Pacific Four series test in Hamilton.
Vaipulu and Joseph, the daughter of former All Blacks player and former Japan coach Jamie Joseph, will start, with King set to make her debut from the bench.
Maia Joseph during the Black Ferns training 2024 Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Black Ferns head coach Allan Bunting said the three debutants had earned their selection.
"Each of these ladies have continued to impress us since joining the Black Ferns squad. They have worked diligently and it's awesome to be able to reward them with this opportunity and enjoy the occasion.
"It will be a special moment for them and their whānau and one they should be proud of. We are all excited for them and have their backs this weekend."
Hannah King during the Black Ferns training 2024 Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Props Kate Henwood and Tanya Kalounivale combine with starting hooker Georgia Ponsonby in the front row, with the Super Rugby Aupiki winning Blues locking duo of Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Vaipulu completing the tight five.
In the loose forwards, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u is at blindside, Black Ferns co-captain Kennedy Simon starts at openside and Layla Sae packs down at No.8.
Theresa Fitzpatrick and Kennedy Simon of New Zealand after the Black Ferns v Wales match, Women's Rugby World Cup, 2021. Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz
In the backs, Joseph and Black Ferns co-captain and first-five Ruahei Demant have been named as the starting halves combination.
Last year's pairing of Sylvia Brunt and Amy du Plessis will cover the midfield at second-five and centre respectively, with Katelyn Vahaakolo and Ruby Tui on the wings and Mererangi Paul at fullback.
Ruby Tui during the Women's Rugby World Cup final match between New Zealand and England at Eden Park in 2022. Photo: Aaron Gillions / www.photosport.nz
In the reserves, a replacement front row of Luka Connor, Chryss Viliko and Amy Rule will be a come off the bench, while experienced lock Charmaine Smith and returning Black Ferns loose forward Kaipo Olsen-Baker will provide forwards cover
Halfback Iritana Hohaia, King and playmaker Patricia Maliepo will be eager to impress off the bench when given the opportunity.
Bunting he believes the 23 selected are energised and eager for the opportunity to open their test season at home.
"We have seen consistency in a few areas we have been working through and we are looking forward to seeing this in our opening Test. Our coaching group have been pleased with the intent and focus our squad have been putting in. We know our ladies are eager to kick-off their international season and take on the USA in front of our fans at home."
Black Ferns team to play USA is (Test caps in brackets);
1. Kate Henwood (4)
2. Georgia Ponsonby (20)
3. Tanya Kalounivale (11)
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (21)
5. Maama Mo'onia Vaipulu*
6. Liana Mikaele Tu'u (18)
7. Kennedy Simon (20) (co-captain)
8. Layla Sae (3)
9. Maia Joseph*
10. Ruahei Demant (33) (co-captain)
11. Katelyn Vahaakolo (6)
12. Logo-i-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt (13)
13. Amy du Plessis (14)
14. Ruby Tui (13)
15. Mererangi Paul (5)
16. Luka Connor (20)
17. Chryss Viliko (2)
18. Amy Rule (19)
19. Charmaine Smith (29)
20. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (2)
21. Iritana Hohaia (6)
22. Hannah King*
23. Patrica Maliepo (7)
*Denotes Black Ferns debut.
Unavailable: Renee Holmes.