Black Ferns v USA: Three debutants named on bench for first test of year

Mia Anderson will represent the Black Ferns at halfback against the USA. Photo / Photosport

Three debutants have been named on the bench for the Black Ferns’ opening test of 2026, when they take on the USA in Sacramento on Sunday.

Loose forward Mia Anderson, halfback Tara Turner and winger Justine McGregor have all been named in the reserves for the first time.

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’o Fa’amausili, who led 35 matches between 2012-2018.

Black Ferns head coach Whitney Hansen said she was pleased with the way the three debutants have progressed and paid tribute to Demant’s achievement.

“It’s exciting to reward our debutants with the opportunity to wear the black jersey for the first time, they’ve shown determination and resilience to get here throughout their respective journeys. Representing Aotearoa is always a privilege and it’s going to be a special moment for our players and their whānau to witness what they do against USA,” Hansen said.

“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*