Ayesha Leti-I’iga of New Zealand scores her 3rd try during Pacific Four round three women's rugby match between New Zealand and USA at Semenoff Stadium in Whangarei, New Zealand on Saturday June 18, 2022. Copyright photo: Aaron Gillions / www.photosport.nz Photo: Aaron Gillions
The return of world cup winning winger Ayesha Leti-I'iga is the feature of the Black Ferns team named to play England in Sunday morning's one-off test at Twickenham.
Leti-I'iga is back for the first time since the World Cup final in November 2022 due to injury.
Ayesha Leti-I’iga of New Zealand scores a try during Pacific Four round three women's rugby match between New Zealand and USA at Semenoff Stadium in Whangarei, New Zealand on Saturday June 18, 2022. Copyright photo: Aaron Gillions / www.photosport.nz Photo: Aaron Gillions
She is joined in the back three by fellow wing Katelyn Vahaakolo and fullback Renee Holmes with Ruby Tui on the bench.
Halfback Maia Joseph and first five-eighth Hannah King are set to start together for only the second time, with co-captain Ruahei Demant in the midfield alongside Logo-i-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt.
Other players returning from injury include recently married Black Ferns Co-Captain Kennedy Tukuafu (nee Simon), prop Kate Henwood and lock Maama Mo'onia Vaipulu.
Kennedy Tukuafu is back in the Black Ferns side. Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz
Black Ferns Director of Rugby Allan Bunting said it will be a great test for the team to play at the iconic Twickenham Stadium.
"Our wāhine have been working diligently for this game for some time now. We want them to play with freedom, but most importantly, enjoy the occasion and embrace the opportunity to play," Bunting said.
"We are privileged to be able to select a strong 23. We welcome back some special players from injury; Ayesha, Kennedy, Kate and Maama. Ayesha's energy is contagious, she is lethal both sides of the ball, and has worked hard to be here, it will be awesome seeing her back out there. We will also value having Kennedy back, her leadership, experience and physicality is invaluable. It's great we have Kate and Maama coming off the bench, they will both play an important role when injected into the game."
Loosehead prop Chryss Viliko, hooker Georgia Ponsonby and tighthead prop Tanya Kalounivale make up the front row, with Alana Bremner and Maiakawanakaulani Roos at lock.
Liana Mikaele-Tu'u starts at blindside with Tukuafu (nee Simon) at openside and Kaipo Olsen-Baker at No.8.
Hooker Atlanta Lolohea, loosehead prop Henwood and tighthead prop Amy Rule have been named as the replacement front row.
Vaipulu and loose forward Layla Sae are also in the reserves alongside halfback Iritana Hohaia, midfielder Amy du Plessis and Tui.
Black Ferns team to play England is (Test caps in brackets)
1. Chryss Viliko (6)
2. Georgia Ponsonby (24)
3. Tanya Kalounivale (14)
4. Alana Bremner (21)
5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (25)
6. Liana Mikaele-Tu'u (22)
7. Kennedy Tukuafu (nee Simon) (23) (Co-Captain)
8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (6)
9. Maia Joseph (4)
10. Hannah King (3)
11. Katelyn Vahaakolo (10)
12. Ruahei Demant (37) (Co-Captain)
13. Logo-i-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt (17)
14. Ayesha Leti-I'iga (21)
15. Renee Holmes (18)
16. Atlanta Lolohea (1)
17. Kate Henwood (5)
18. Amy Rule (24)
19. Maama Mo'onia Vaipulu (2)
20. Layla Sae (7)
21. Iritana Hohaia (10)
22. Amy du Plessis (17)
23. Ruby Tui (14)