Sae returns from ACL injury as Black Ferns lose Demant and Leti-I'iga to WXV calf blows

Layla Sae will earn her 20th Black Ferns cap from the replacements bench on Saturday when New Zealand face France in their WXV Global Series opener in Lyon — a remarkable return just nine months after the 25-year-old loose forward ruptured her ACL on club duty with Harlequins. The occasion is also marked by the comeback of centre Alena Saili, who makes her first Test appearance in six years.

Head coach Allan Hansen praised both returning players. “Layla is a powerful athlete that thrives in collisions, she’s explosive and a threat not only in the middle but on the edge,” he said. “She’s shown great determination and resilience to get back into the team and we’re looking forward to seeing what she does this weekend.”

Of Saili, Hansen added: “She’s a physical presence in the midfield and is a versatile player covering midfield and the outsides for us.”

The positive news, however, arrives against a backdrop of mounting injury problems for the six-time world champions. Co-captain Ruahei Demant — a former World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year — was ruled out of the entire WXV series with a calf injury just hours before the squad was announced, joining loose forward Kaipo Olsen-Baker, who had already been sidelined with a shoulder complaint. Explosive wing Ayesha Leti-I’iga has since also been ruled out with a calf injury, though no timeline for her return has been given.

The wave of absentees has forced significant reshaping of the squad. Hooker Georgia Ponsonby assumes sole captaincy and starts in the front row alongside Chryss Viliko and Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu. Laura Bayfield is promoted to the starting lock berth, partnering Maiakawanakaulani Roos. Maia Joseph and Hannah King continue at half-back, Sylvia Brunt and Amy du Plessis retain the midfield, and Justine McGregor comes into the back three alongside Braxton Sorensen-McGee and Mererangi Paul.

Hansen acknowledged the challenge France will pose. “France has traditionally played with a lot of flair and unpredictability, we’re also seeing another element to their game under their new coaching group,” he said. “This weekend is going to take us being switched on and staying on.”