Hat-trick hero Elinor-Plum King earns Black Ferns debut against Wallaroos in Auckland

Flanker Elinor-Plum King will make her Black Ferns debut against the Wallaroos in Auckland after coach Whitney Hansen rewarded her hat-trick performance against the Black Ferns XV last week with a starting berth in the O’Reilly Cup Test. Two more uncapped players, Amarante Sititi and Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a, are also in line for their first caps after being named on the bench.

King lines up at openside flanker alongside Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, the third-most experienced forward in the starting side, and No. 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker. Up front, Chryss Viliko joins 40-Test hooker Georgia Ponsonby and tighthead prop Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, while Blues captain Maiakawanakaulani Roos packs down with Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu in the second row.

In the backs, captain Ruahei Demant — winning her 54th cap — partners Maia Joseph at half-back. Sylvia Brunt, earning her 33rd Test appearance, starts in midfield alongside Amy Du Plessis, with Ayesha Leti-I’iga and Mererangi Paul on the wings and Braxton Sorensen-McGee at fullback.

Hansen was effusive about all three potential debutants. “Elinor-Plum is incredibly agile and relentless through the middle, but she’s also becoming a real threat on the edge,” the coach said. “She’s worked exceptionally hard over the past three years to put her hand up for this team, and what we saw from her last week showed she’s ready to be part of this environment.”

On Tuliau-Tua’a, Hansen highlighted the ball-carrying and offloading qualities the bench back brings, noting that time around the squad during the Pacific Four Series had accelerated her development. Sititi, who can play both lock and loose forward, was described as “a phenomenal talent” whose power in collisions is complemented by a growing tactical understanding.

“Elinor-Plum, Amarante and Shyrah are exciting young athletes with potential that can be a real point of difference for us now and in the future,” Hansen added.