Demant returns from calf injury as Black Ferns name team for France series opener

Co-captain Ruahei Demant has been named in New Zealand’s matchday 23 for the first Test of the WXV Global Series against France in Hamilton this weekend, returning from the calf injury she sustained in South Africa last month.

The 2022 World Rugby Player of the Year will ease back into action from the bench, with Hannah King retaining her starting place at fly-half after a strong Northern Tour. Head coach Whitney Hansen praised Demant’s contribution even while sidelined, crediting her leadership as central to New Zealand’s success during that campaign.

“I don’t think we would have had the same level of success we did without her commitment to developing those around her,” Hansen said. “We’re excited to have her back out on the field, leading and driving our game.”

There is a single change to the starting forward pack from last month’s narrow last-second defeat to England, with Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu coming into the second row in place of Laura Bayfield, who drops to the bench.

In the backs, Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a earns her fourth cap, taking the right-wing berth from Mererangi Paul, who retains a place in the 23 as Hansen looks to manage game time across the three-Test series. Vici-Rose Green and Ngano Tavake return to the reserves after missing selection against England, with Atlanta Lolohea and Maddi Robinson the players to make way.

“Building on the momentum from our England performance, we needed to strike the right balance between providing opportunities for our newer Black Ferns and maintaining the continuity and experience around them to succeed,” Hansen explained. “We’ve made changes to who starts and finishes, which will be a focus this campaign. Both are equally important, and we need players who can excel in each.”

Mia Anderson is the only player ruled out through injury, sidelined with concussion.

Black Ferns XV to face France: Chryss Viliko; Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Amy Du Plessis, Braxton Sorensen-McGee; Hannah King, Maia Joseph; Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Elinor-Plum King, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u; Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt; Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Georgia Ponsonby (co-captain), Chryss Viliko.

Reserves: Vici-Rose Green, Ngano Tavake, Santo Taumata, Laura Bayfield, Layla Sae, Tara Turner, Ruahei Demant (co-captain), Mererangi Paul.