Black Ferns name squad to face Ireland

by Matthew Wood Friday 5 September 2025

Jorja Miller of New Zealand scores her team's second try during the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Pool C match

©Photo by Alex Davidson - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images

The Black Ferns have confirmed their match-day 23 for their final pool game of the Women’s Rugby World Cup against Ireland at Brighton and Hove Stadium on Sunday.

Winger Ayesha Leti-I’iga makes her return from an ankle injury, taking a place on the bench. Kennedy Tukuafu also resumes co-captaincy duties, joining starting fly-half Ruahei Demant in leading the team.

In the forward pack, the front row of Chryss Viliko, Tanya Kalounivale, and Georgia Ponsonby remains unchanged. Locks Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Alana Bremner continue their second-row partnership.

Loose forwards see positional adjustments, with Layla Sae and Jorja Miller shifting roles, while Liana Mikaele-Tu’u takes on the No. 8 jersey.

The backs retain much of the same shape, with Risaleaana Pouri-Lane and Demant directing play at half-back. The midfield pairing of Sylvia Brunt and Stacey Waaka will provide both defensive stability and attacking spark.

On the wings, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and Braxton Sorensen-McGee bring finishing power, while Renee Holmes holds her spot at fullback.

The bench features Kate Henwood, Maia Joseph, Vici-Rose Green, Amy Rule, Laura Bayfield, Theresa Setefano, and Leti-I’iga. Bayfield, who received a red card against Japan, has been cleared to play following an independent disciplinary review.

A victory over Ireland would guarantee the Black Ferns top spot in Pool C. Their quarter-final opponents will be confirmed after the outcome of the match between South Africa and France.

Team line up: Chryss Viliko (15), Georgia Ponsonby (33), Tanya Kalounivale (24), Maiakawanakaulani Roos (34), Alana Bremner (31), Layla Sae (16), Jorja Miller (4), Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (31), Risaleaana Pouri-Lane (4), Ruahei Demant (47) – co-captain, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (30), Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (26), Stacey Waaka (28), Braxton Sorensen-McGee (5), Renee Holmes (25)

Reserves: Vici-Rose Green (3), Kate Henwood (11), Amy Rule (31), Laura Bayfield (3), Kennedy Tukuafu (31) – co-captain, Maia Joseph (12), Theresa Setefano (21), Ayesha Leti-I’iga (27)