Atlanta Lolohea during the Black Ferns training at Rotorua Boys High School in Rotorua, New Zealand on Thursday May 02, 2024. Copyright photo: Aaron Gillions / www.photosport.nz Photo: Aaron Gillions / www.photosport.nz
Matatū hooker Atlanta Lolohea is in line to receive her first Black Ferns cap after being named on the bench for Sunday's final O'Reilly Cup test against Australia in Brisbane, while star first-five and captain Ruahei Demant has shifted to the midfield.
The team also features the return of several familiar faces.
Black Ferns director of rugby Allan Bunting and his assistants have made several changes to the side that won the opening O'Reilly Cup test, with the trophy safely locked away for another year.
"We have a competitive group of wāhine in our environment and this has been a difficult selection which is what we want, that is reflected in our named twenty-three. We welcome those players back to the fold, as a coaching group we want to ensure that this group continues to build on our last performance," Bunting said.
Midfielder Monica Tagoai makes her Black Ferns return, in her first Test since 2018.
Monica Tagoai during the Black Ferns training at Rotorua Boys High School in Rotorua, New Zealand on Thursday May 02, 2024. Copyright photo: Aaron Gillions / www.photosport.nz Photo: Aaron Gillions / www.photosport.nz
The Black Ferns also welcome back loosehead prop Pip Love, lock Chelsea Bremner and loose forward Lucy Jenkins who have been named in the team for the first time this season.
Chelsea Bremner is back in the side. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Bunting congratulated Tagoai and Lolohea on their selection.
"It will be a special moment for Atlanta and Monica on Sunday. Both have worked diligently and shown great dedication and patience. It is awesome to be able to reward them with this opportunity."
"It will be a proud moment for Atlanta and the Lolohea whānau, it is a special occasion to debut for your country, and we are looking forward to seeing her enjoy it."
"Monica's commitment and perseverance to make her return to the Black Ferns environment hasn't gone unnoticed. We look forward to her taking the field once again in the Black Ferns jersey," Bunting said.
A powerful forward pack will take the field with loosehead prop Chryss Viliko, hooker Georgia Ponsonby and tighthead prop Tanya Kalounivale packing down in the front row.
An unchanged locking combination of Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Alana Bremner round out the tight five. The loose forward trio of Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Layla Sae and Kaipo Olsen-Baker at No.8 remains.
In the backline, Maia Joseph and Hannah King earn the start at halfback and first-five respectively, with Black Ferns captain Demant shifting to the midfield to combine with her Auckland and Blues teammate Sylvia Brunt.
Ruahei Demant moves back to No 10 for the Black Ferns in their WXV 1 opener against Ireland on Monday. Photo: Aaron Gillions / www.photosport.nz
A formidable back three will take the field, with Katelyn Vahaakolo on the left wing, Ruby Tui on the right, and Renee Holmes named to start at fullback.
Bunting said the team is ready for a confident Australian side.
"The Wallaroos had a strong performance against Fiji last weekend and we know they will be wanting a different outcome to our last meeting. We are prepared and ready for the challenge we face in front of a vocal Brisbane crowd."
Black Ferns team to play Australia (Test caps in brackets):
1. Chryss Viliko (5)
2. Georgia Ponsonby (23)
3. Tanya Kalounivale (13)
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (24)
5. Alana Bremner (20)
6. Liana Mikaele Tu'u (21)
7. Layla Sae (6)
8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (5)
9. Maia Joseph (3)
10. Hannah King (2)
11. Katelyn Vahaakolo (9)
12. Ruahei Demant (36) (C)
13. Logo-i-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt (16)
14. Ruby Tui (15)
15. Renee Holmes (17)
16. Atlanta Lolohea*
17. Pip Love (27)
18. Amy Rule (22)
19. Chelsea Bremner (18)
20. Lucy Jenkins (6)
21. Iritana Hohaia (9)
22. Monica Tagoai (2)
23. Mererangi Paul (8)
*Denotes Black Ferns debut.