Live updates of the Pacific Four Series test between the Black Ferns and USA in Sacramento.<\/p>\n
Four debutants have been named on the bench for the Black Ferns\u2019 opening test of 2026.<\/p>\n
Loose forward Mia Anderson, halfback Tara Turner, prop Maddison Robinson and winger Justine McGregor have all been named in the reserves for the first time. Robinson was a late replacement, after Awhina Tangen-Wainohu was ruled out of the series with a neck injury.<\/p>\n
The test will also mark a historic moment for co-captain Ruahei Demant as she becomes the most-capped Black Ferns captain on 36 tests, surpassing Black Ferns legend Fiao\u2019o Fa\u2019amausili, who led 35 matches between 2012-2018.<\/p>\n
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.<\/a><\/p>\n Black Ferns head coach Whitney Hansen said she was pleased with the way the three debutants have progressed and paid tribute to Demant\u2019s achievement.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s exciting to reward our debutants with the opportunity to wear the black jersey for the first time, they\u2019ve shown determination and resilience to get here throughout their respective journeys. Representing Aotearoa is always a privilege and it\u2019s going to be a special moment for our players and their wh\u0101nau to witness what they do against USA,\u201d Hansen said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are incredibly fortunate to have Ruahei as a leader in our environment. The way she carries herself, her mana and the leadership she offers to this team is immense. On behalf of the group, we congratulate her on reaching this milestone.\u201d<\/p>\n In the starting XV, the front row will see loosehead prop Chryss Viliko celebrate her 20th-test milestone alongside tighthead prop Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu and Georgia Ponsonby anchoring the scrum. Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Laura Bayfield start in the locks, while in the loose forwards Liana Mikaele-Tu\u2019u and co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu join Kaipo Olsen-Baker in the No 8 jersey.<\/p>\n In the backs, Maia Joseph is named halfback alongside Demant in first five-eighths. The formidable combination of Amy Du\u2019Plessis and Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai\u2019i Sylvia Brunt will be seen in the midfield, while Ayesha Leti-I\u2019iga and Mererangi Paul look to bring pace on the wings. Renee Holmes rounds out the starting 23 in fullback.<\/p>\n Vici-Rose Green, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Tanya Kalounivale, Maama Mo\u2019onia Vaipulu and Hannah King will look to bring impact from the bench, with the three uncapped players.<\/p>\n The Black Ferns last met with the USA in the final game of the Pacific Four Series last year at North Harbour Stadium, which saw them claim the series after a 79-14 win.<\/p>\n \u201cThis match is the first opportunity for us to test our rugby identity and highlight our strengths. Our identity isn\u2019t completely new; it\u2019s refining what has already been done and we look forward to putting out a strong performance in front of fans in the USA and back home,\u201d Hansen said.<\/p>\n AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.<\/a><\/p>\n Black Ferns v USA (test caps):<\/p>\n 1. Chryss Viliko (19) <\/p>\n 2. Georgia Ponsonby (37) <\/p>\n 3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (3)<\/p>\n 4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (38) <\/p>\n 5. Laura Bayfield (6)<\/p>\n AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.<\/a><\/p>\n 6. Liana Mikaele-Tu\u2019u (35)<\/p>\n 7. Kennedy Tukuafu (34) \u2013 co-captain <\/p>\n 8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (16)<\/p>\n 9. Maia Joseph (16) <\/p>\n 10. Ruahei Demant (51) \u2013 co-captain <\/p>\n 11. Ayesha Leti-I\u2019iga (30)<\/p>\n AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.<\/a><\/p>\n 12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai\u2019i Sylvia Brunt (29)<\/p>\n 13. Amy Du\u2019Plessis (22)<\/p>\n 14. Mererangi Paul (14)<\/p>\n 15. Renee Holmes (29)<\/p>\n Bench:<\/p>\n 16. Vici-Rose Green (5)<\/p>\n AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.<\/a><\/p>\n 17. Maddison Robinson (uncapped)<\/p>\n 18. Tanya Kalounivale (27) <\/p>\n 19. Maama Mo\u2019onia Vaipulu (7)<\/p>\n 20. Mia Anderson*<\/p>\n 21. Tara Turner* <\/p>\n 22. Hannah King (10)<\/p>\n AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.<\/a><\/p>\n 23. Justine McGregor* <\/p>\n