Hansen names settled Black Ferns side to seal 10th win in debut season finale

Whitney Hansen has resisted wholesale changes for the Black Ferns’ 11th and final Test of 2026, naming a settled 23 to face France at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday, with New Zealand seeking a 10th win of the season in their head coach’s debut year.

The series opener in Hamilton saw the Black Ferns post an 81-point performance against France, but the visitors responded in Whangarei last week, holding New Zealand to 31 points in a far more competitive fixture. That second Test came at a cost: halfback Tara Turner was ruled out with concussion, while hooker Atlanta Lolohea and World Rugby Player of the Year nominee Kaipo Olsen-Baker both sustained ankle injuries.

Hansen has managed those absences through positional reshuffling rather than wholesale changes. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u shifts to No.8 to cover Olsen-Baker, while Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a moves back to the right wing — both players completing the series with three starts apiece. Maia Joseph reclaims the No.9 jersey and will partner captain Ruahei Demant at fly-half, with Hansen publicly identifying Demant’s kicking game as a key area for improvement after Whangarei.

The front row of Chryss Viliko, Georgia Ponsonby and Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu retains its place for a third consecutive start, as do Sylvia Brunt at second-five and Braxton Sorensen-McGee at fullback. Maiakawanakaulani Roos, who impressed off the bench last week, is promoted to start alongside Laura Bayfield in the second row. World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year nominee Elinor-Plum King comes in at openside flanker in place of Layla Sae, and Mia Anderson makes a timely return from injury to start on the blindside. Ayesha Leti-I’iga returns to the left wing, and Amy Du Plessis is also back from injury to start at centre.

“This Saturday is the final opportunity to get behind the Black Ferns,” Hansen said. “On behalf of the team, I want to thank everyone who has supported us throughout what has been our biggest year yet. To finish the year playing in front of our fans, on home soil in Otautahi, is a privilege. We don’t take that support for granted, and we’re determined to put on a performance that we can be proud of.”

The Christchurch fixture also marks New Zealand’s first Test at One New Zealand Stadium, adding further significance to what is already a milestone occasion for the programme.