Hansen hails nine Black Ferns debutants pushing hard for Test spots in World Cup cycle

Five of the nine players to debut for the Black Ferns this year have been named in the matchday 23 for the second Test against France in Whangarei, as head coach Whitney Hansen confirmed the new generation is already shaping the team’s identity in this Rugby World Cup cycle.

Tara Turner, Amarante Sititi, Maddi Robinson, Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a and Justine McGregor all earned selection after swiftly building Hansen’s trust, joining fellow debutants Mo’omo’oga Palu, Ngano Tavake, Maia Davis and Elinor-Plum King in what the coach describes as a standout rookie class.

“Not surprised, but just super grateful that all of those athletes in our space at the moment feel like they can show up, be themselves, and play with real confidence,” Hansen said after naming her side on Thursday.

Hansen, in her first year at the helm of the national team, said she had seen the talent emerging well before the Test arena. She recalled the impression Sititi made at her first camp: “I remember the first time we had the likes of an Amarante at camp, and we sort of had a bit of a joke on the radio that someone needed to be getting there on the sideline, getting her a contract very quickly.”

One notable absentee from the Whangarei squad is Elinor-Plum King, the openside flanker who has been the most consistent debutant presence in the Test team this year. Hansen explained the decision was tactical rather than a reflection of King’s form, with Layla Sae backed in the No.7 jersey and the squad unable to carry two specialist sevens.

“She’s been phenomenal for us,” Hansen said of King. “Everything we’ve asked of her since, she has risen to. She’s so hardworking, incredibly diligent, super humble — disappointed not to play because she’s also incredibly competitive.”

Hansen added that King’s response to being left out was telling of her character: “Her mindset went very much to ‘what do I do to serve the team?’ And I know that she’ll be hissing out there at training this afternoon to make sure that the team is ready.”

With the Rugby World Cup cycle now underway, the depth and attitude of the 2026 debutant class suggests Hansen has a strong foundation to build from as New Zealand look to defend their status as the world’s leading women’s rugby nation.