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Black Ferns make seven changes after opening round defeat

By Lucy Lomax
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - OCTOBER 21: Ruby Tui of New Zealand celebrate the try of Katelyn Vahaakolo during the WXV1 match between France and New Zealand Black Ferns at Sky Stadium on October 21, 2023 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

The Black Ferns have made seven changes to the squad for the second match of WXV 1 against Wales in Dunedin.

Loosehead prop Kate Henwood, lock Chelsea Bremner, back row Layla Sae and winger Mererangi Paul earn their first start of the tournament. Experienced forwards Krystal Murray and Alana Bremner drop to the bench.

New Zealand played Wales twice at last year's World Cup recording convincing wins as Wales look to bounce back from an opening weekend defeat to Canada.

This will be the first time since 1997 that the Black Ferns have played in Dunedin.

Balck Ferns:

1. Kate Henwood

2. Georgia Ponsonby

3. Amy Rule

4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos

5. Chelsea Bremner

6. Layla Sae

7. Kennedy Simon (Co-Captain)

8. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u

9. Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu

10. Ruahei Demant (Co-Captain)

11. Mererangi Paul

12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai’i (Sylvia) Brunt

13. Amy du Plessis

14. Ruby Tui

15. Renee Holmes

Replacements

16. Luka Connor

17. Krystal Murray

18. Tanya Kalounivale

19. Alana Bremner

20. Lucy Jenkins

21. Iritana Hohaia

22. Patricia Maliepo

23. Martha Mataele