Black Ferns make four changes for Wallaroos Anzac Day test, debut for Palu

Mo’omo’oga Palu is in-line to make her Black Ferns debut. Photo / Getty Images

There are four changes to the Black Ferns side to face the Wallaroos on Saturday at Sunshine Coast Stadium in the first Anzac Day meeting between the two sides.

Mo’omo’oga Palu is set to make her Black Ferns debut as starting tighthead prop, with Chryss Viliko and Georgia Ponsonby in the front row.

Black Ferns head coach Whitney Hansen said Palu had worked hard to earn her first international start.

“From Hawke’s Bay to high-performance environments, I’ve witnessed Mo’omo’oga chase greatness.

“Her achievement hasn’t come quickly, she’s worked hard, and her rugby journey is a genuine reflection of the women’s rugby pathway at work in New Zealand. I hope she enjoys every moment come this Saturday.”

Justine McGregor earns a starting spot on the wings alongside Ayesha Leti-I’iga, while hooker Atlanta Lolohea features in her first test of 2026 off the bench.

Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Laura Bayfield have been named starting locks, as well as Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu in the loose forwards. Kaipo Olsen-Baker, who scored a double against Canada, remains in the No 8 jersey.

The backline will see halfback Maia Joseph and co-captain Ruahei Demant in first five-eighth, with Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i and Amy Du Plessis in the midfield. Leti-I’iga and McGregor start out wide, with Renee Holmes in fullback.

Maddison Robinson, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Mia Anderson, Tara Turner, Hannah King and Mererangi Paul will join Lolohea in bringing impact off the bench.

Hansen said the Anzac Day clash will be an honourable moment for both teams.

“The significance of this weekend has been at the forefront for us as we prepare to take the field. This game is an opportunity for us to celebrate two nations coming together to commemorate the sacrifices made by members who served. This weekend we play for them.

“The Black Ferns and Wallaroos’ transtasman rivalry already carries significance. We know Australia are a strong team and will match the physicality that we bring, they have nothing to lose and everything to play for.”

A win for the Black Ferns this weekend will see them retain the Pacific Four Series and O’Reilly Cup trophies.

Black Ferns v Australia (Test caps bracketed, *denotes debut)

1. Chryss Viliko (20)

2. Georgia Ponsonby (39)

3. Mo’omo’oga Palu*

4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (40)

5. Laura Bayfield (8)

6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (37)

7. Kennedy Tukuafu (36) - co-captain

8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (18)

9. Maia Joseph (18)

10. Ruahei Demant (53) - co-captain

11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga (32)

12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (31)

13. Amy Du’Plessis (24)

14. Justine McGregor (2)

15. Renee Holmes (31)

Substitutes:

16. Atlanta Lolohea (10)

17. Maddison Robinson (2)

18. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (5)

19. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (9)

20. Mia Anderson (2)

21. Tara Turner (2)

22. Hannah King (12)

23. Mererangi Paul (16)