Black Ferns lose Du Plessis to concussion and Lolohea to ankle injury before second France Test

The Black Ferns head into their second WXV Global Series Test against France short-handed after two players were ruled out in the days before kick-off, forcing a reshaped matchday squad.

Starting centre Amy Du Plessis has been diagnosed with delayed concussion and must serve the mandatory stand-down period, ruling her out of the fixture entirely. Rookie Justine McGregor steps up from the bench to fill the No.13 jersey for the first time, while Ayesha Leti-I’iga moves to the No.23 reserve slot.

Reserve hooker Atlanta Lolohea sustained an ankle injury during Thursday’s training session and has also been withdrawn. Vici-Rose Green returns to the squad at No.16, and Holly Wratt-Groeneweg has been called in as additional hooker cover.

A third injury, to Mo’omo’oga Palu, prompted further reinforcements, with experienced campaigner Pip Love returning to the Black Ferns environment to provide cover.

Captain Ruahei Demant leads the side with 57 caps, while Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, who has 44 caps, starts on the wing. The full updated starting XV reads: Chryss Viliko, Georgia Ponsonby, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Laura Bayfield, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Layla Sae, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Tara Turner, Ruahei Demant (captain), Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a, Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt, Justine McGregor, Mererangi Paul, Braxton Sorensen-McGee.

The reserves are: Vici-Rose Green, Maddison Robinson, Santo Taumata, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Amarante Sititi, Maia Joseph, Hannah King, Ayesha Leti-I’iga.