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NZ v India from 7.45pm tonightHansen overhauls Black Ferns line-up for France rematch
Sport Nation • October 22nd, 2026 9:59 am
Black Ferns reserve Ruahei Demant reaches and scores a try | Photo: Photosport
Black Ferns head coach Whitney Hansen has rung the changes to her side to take on France at Semenoff Stadium in Whangarei on Saturday afternoon.
The Kiwis will host the fourth-ranked France for the second week running, after putting on a clinic last weekend at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton, claiming the WXV Global Series victory by a staggering margin of 81-12.
Inspirational Black Ferns captain Ruahei Demant returns to start at first-five as one of 13 changes, pushing Hannah King to the bench.
Matatu lock Laura Bayfield will partner Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu in the second row, while impressive loose-forward Layla Sae makes her return at openside flanker.
Tara Turner, a Northland local, will start the contest against France at halfback, linking up with Demant.
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Both Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a and Mererangi Paul are elevated from the bench, after adding significant impact in the squad's 79-point victory.
The bench, which sees Atlanta Lolohea, Maddison Robinson, and Santo Taumata line up as the replacement props, also has the experience of Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Maia Joseph.
Hansen, who has only lost one Test as Black Ferns coach during her short tenure, said that the squad are expecting a response from France.
“For us, it’s about being better again both individually and as a team," Hansen said in a statement. "France are a quality side that we will never take lightly, and we’re expecting them to come out firing.
“Our biggest pressure comes from within. It’s about how we prepare, how we train and how we perform on the field, rather than chasing outcomes.
"We’ll always remain humble and hungry in that pursuit, pushing ourselves and each other to be better every time we take the field.”
Black Ferns matchday 23 vs France:
1. Chryss Viliko, 2. Georgia Ponsonby, 3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, 4. Laura Bayfield, 5. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, 6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, 7. Layla Sae, 8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker, 9. Tara Turner, 10. Ruahei Demant (captain), 11. Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a, 12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt, 13. Amy Du Plessis, 14. Mererangi Paul, 15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee
Bench: 16. Atlanta Lolohea, 17. Maddison Robinson, 18. Santo Taumata, 19. Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 20. Amarante Sititi, 21. Maia Joseph, 22. Hannah King, 23. Justine McGregor.
Unavailable due to injury: Mia Anderson (concussion).
