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Full Noise by SN
Important update on 1476AMProp escapes ban as Black Ferns name unchanged side vs Canada
Sport Nation • April 16th, 2026 8:48 am
Tanya Kalounivale | Photo: Photosport
The Black Ferns have named an unchanged 23 to face Canada in Saturday morning’s Pacific Four Series clash in Kansas City on Saturday (NZ time).
Fresh off a commanding 48–15 win over the USA in Sacramento, selectors have stuck with the same combinations across the park as they prepare to meet the world No. 2 side.
Up front, Chryss Viliko and Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu again start at prop alongside hooker Georgia Ponsonby, while Maiakawanakaulani Roos partners Laura Bayfield in the second row. The loose forward trio of Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu and Kaipo Olsen-Baker also remains intact.
In the backs, Maia Joseph and co-captain Ruahei Demant combine again at halfback and first five, with Sylvia Brunt and Amy Du’Plessis in midfield. Wingers Ayesha Leti-I’iga and Mererangi Paul — who bagged a hat-trick last week — flank Renee Holmes at fullback.
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The bench features several emerging players, including Maddison Robinson, Mia Anderson, Tara Turner and Justine McGregor, all in line for further opportunities.
Prop Tanya Kalounivale is available after her red card from last week’s opener against USA was overturned following a disciplinary review.
The Black Ferns last met Canada in the Rugby World Cup semi-final, winning 34–19, while the sides drew 27–27 in last year’s Pacific Four Series.
Head coach Allan Bunting said the focus remains internal.
“We know Canada are physical and accurate, and this is another chance to build our identity and deliver a disciplined performance,” he said.
Black Ferns vs Canada
1. Chryss Viliko, 2. Georgia Ponsonby, 3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, 4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 5. Laura Bayfield, 6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, 7. Kennedy Tukuafu (co-captain), 8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker, 9. Maia Joseph, 10. Ruahei Demant (co-captain), 11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga, 12. Sylvia Brunt, 13. Amy Du’Plessis, 14. Mererangi Paul, 15. Renee Holmes.
Reserves: 16. Vici-Rose Green, 17. Maddison Robinson, 18. Tanya Kalounivale, 19. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, 20. Mia Anderson, 21. Tara Turner, 22. Hannah King, 23. Justine McGregor.
