King will link up with Matatū teammate Kaipo Olsen-Baker, who returns after a niggle kept her out of last week’s hit-out against the Black Ferns XV, at No 8 and Blues flanker Liana Mikaele-Tu’u at blindside.
King is one of three players set for their first test appearances in the clash, with lock Amarante Sititi and outside back Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a assigned to provide impact from the bench.
“We’re thinking about the future, we’re thinking about now, and that went into the decision-making around this team as well for this weekend,” Hansen said.
“So where can we give opportunity to grow some talent? And how do we give some continuity to those that will own those positions come the tough games?
In the front row, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu starts at tighthead prop for her seventh test, alongside veteran duo Chryss Viliko (22 tests) at loosehead and Georgia Ponsonby (40) at hooker. While at lock, Blues duo Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu draw the starting assignments.
The backline is a settled one, with Maia Joseph and captain Ruahei Demant at halfback and first five-eighths respectively. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt and Amy du Plessis are again the midfield pairing, while Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Mererangi Paul and Braxton Sorensen-McGee are the back three.
Sorensen-McGee will make her first test start for the Black Ferns this year, having been with the sevens team during the Pacific Four campaign.
On the bench, first five-eighths Hannah King has been cleared to return from injury, while Ariana Bayler – who was a late inclusion in the squad due to an injury to Tara Turner – will provide cover at halfback.
Santo Taumata, who last played a test for the Black Ferns in 2022, will provide cover at tighthead, with Maddison Robinson at loosehead and Vici-Rose Green at hooker, while Mia Anderson is the loose forward cover.
Hansen said with this being the first of a long run of tests for the Black Ferns, with another seven still to come over the next few months, there would be plenty of rotation in the squad over the next assignments.
“We’ve got a pretty good look on that spreadsheet. I can’t tell you what that says at the moment, but time will tell on that,” she said.
“And I think the reality is too is you’ve got to be prepared to pivot and adapt. We’ll get niggles, we’ll get injuries and sometimes those rests will force themselves. So we’ve got a bit of a plan, but we’re ready to move.”
Black Ferns team to play Wallaroos
Black Ferns: 1. Chryss Viliko, 2. Georgia Ponsonby, 3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, 4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 5. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, 6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, 7. Elinor-Plum King, 8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker, 9. Maia Joseph, 10. Ruahei Demant, 11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga, 12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt, 13. Amy du Plessis 14. Mererangi Paul, 15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee.
Bench: 16. Vici-Rose Green, 17. Maddison Robinson, 18. Santo Taumata, 19. Amarante Sititi, 20. Mia Anderson, 21. Ariana Bayler, 22. Hannah King, 23. Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a.
Unavailable: Layla Sae (knee), Mo’omo’oga Palu (concussion), Tara Turner (hamstring).
Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.