“We 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.”
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’u and co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu join Kaipo Olsen-Baker in the No 8 jersey.
In the backs, Maia Joseph is named halfback alongside Demant in first five-eighths. The formidable combination of Amy Du’Plessis and Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt will be seen in the midfield, while Ayesha Leti-I’iga and Mererangi Paul look to bring pace on the wings. Renee Holmes rounds out the starting 23 in fullback.
Vici-Rose Green, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Tanya Kalounivale, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu and Hannah King will look to bring impact from the bench, with the three uncapped players.
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.
“This match is the first opportunity for us to test our rugby identity and highlight our strengths. Our identity isn’t completely new; it’s 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,” Hansen said.
Black Ferns v USA (test caps):
1. Chryss Viliko (19)
2. Georgia Ponsonby (37)
3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (3)
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (38)
5. Laura Bayfield (6)
6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (35)
7. Kennedy Tukuafu (34) – co-captain
8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (16)
9. Maia Joseph (16)
10. Ruahei Demant (51) – co-captain
11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga (30)
12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (29)
13. Amy Du’Plessis (22)
14. Mererangi Paul (14)
15. Renee Holmes (29)
Bench:
16. Vici-Rose Green (5)
17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu (10)
18. Tanya Kalounivale (27)
19. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (7)
20. Mia Anderson*
21. Tara Turner*
22. Hannah King (10)
23. Justine McGregor*
