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Black Ferns name side for France Test in Hamilton

Ruahei Demant is back in the matchday squad after a calf injury, and the Test is the first of three home meetings with France in the WXV Global Series.

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New Zealand's first home Test against France in the WXV Global Series is in Hamilton on Saturday, and the coaching group has made several changes to the squad that will take the field.

Black Ferns make several changes to face France

Seven changes have been made to the side that played England in September. Shyrah Tuliau-Tua'a has been named on the right wing.

Georgia Ponsonby starts as co-captain alongside Ruahei Demant, who is among the replacements. Demant returns to the match-day 23 as a replacement after a calf injury sustained in the South Africa Test.

Maama Mo'onia Vaipulu starts at lock, and Laura Bayfield drops to the bench.

Series schedule

The Black Ferns play France in three Tests in the home WXV Global Series. The matches are at Hamilton, Whangarei and Christchurch.

Key facts

  • The first home Test against France is in Hamilton on Saturday.
  • Seven changes have been made to the side that played England in September.
  • Ruahei Demant returns to the match-day 23 as a replacement after a calf injury.
  • Georgia Ponsonby starts as co-captain alongside Ruahei Demant.
  • The Black Ferns play France in three Tests, at Hamilton, Whangarei and Christchurch.
  • The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sport, with highlights on the Black Ferns YouTube channel.

How to watch

New Zealand Rugby said the match will be broadcast live on Sky Sport. Highlights will be shown on the Black Ferns YouTube channel.

More on RuckBee: England · France · Pro rugby news

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