Duo to debut for Black Ferns in second Pacific Four clash

Two players are set to make their Black Ferns debuts against Canada on Sunday in their second Pacific Four series test, with Amy du Plessis starting at centre and 18-year-old Sylvia Brunt on the bench.

Amy du Plessis playing for Canterbury.
Photo: © Copyright Bruce Lim /

Coach Wayne Smith has made eight changes to the starting XV from the one that came from behind to beat Australia on Monday.

Du Plessis was involved in the Black Ferns domestic series against the Barbarians in 2020, but Sunday’s match in Waitakere will be her first test.

For Auckland teenager, Brunt, her debut comes on the back of a strong Farah Palmer Cup.

Hazel Tubic earns her first start a first-five, with captain and last week’s number 10 Ruahei Demant moving out one position to second-five.

Demant replaces Chelsea Semple who was not available for selection due to illness, while Du Plessis replaces Kelsey Teneti who has returned to the Black Ferns Sevens programme.

After impressing from the bench in Monday’s win over Australia, Luka Connor, Tanya Kalounivale, Joanah Ngan-Woo and Tafito Lafaele are all promoted to the starting pack.

Smith said the changes this week will help ensure all players in the 32-strong squad have the opportunity to impress.

“We’ve selected players that we think are up to the level required at international rugby so we are making sure they get the opportunity on the field to prove that.

“This series is all about players showing what they can do and putting their best foot forward for when it comes time for Rugby World Cup selection,” said Smith.

Trailling 5-10 at half time against Australia, the Black Ferns bounced back with a strong second half performance.

Smith said they expect another tough encounter against Canada, who outclassed the United States in their opening match of the series.

“Canada looked physical against the USA, they were explosive and we know they’ve had players added to their team this week from the English Premiership. It will certainly be another tough match, but that is where you learn and that’s exactly what we want.”

The Black Ferns team to play Canada:

1. Phillipa Love (15)

2. Luka Connor (5)

3. Tanya Kalounivale (1)

4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (4)

5. Joanah Ngan-Woo (6)

6. Alana Bremner (4)

7. Tafito Lafaele (1)

8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (1)

9. Kendra Cocksedge (58)

10. Hazel Tubic (12)

11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga (13)

12. Ruahei Demant (16) – captain

13. Amy du Plessis – debut

14. Ruby Tui (1)

15. Cheyelle Robins-Reti (4)

16. Georgia Ponsonby (3)

17. Angel Mulu (1)

18. Amy Rule (4)

19. Chelsea Bremner (1)

20. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (4) / Kendra Reynolds (2)

21. Ariana Bayler (4) / Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu (6)

22. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai’i (Sylvia) Brunt – debut

23. Renee Wickliffe (43)