Prop Ngano Tavake and full-back Maia Davis are set to make their Black Ferns debuts off the bench on Saturday after being named in the matchday 23 to face Scotland in the WXV Global Series clash at Hive Stadium in Edinburgh (5.10pm, live on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer).
Amarante Sititi, the second-row whose father Semo played for the Border Reivers, is likely to earn cap number three from the bench too while a host of changes have been made to the starting XV that defeated France last time out.
The front-row will see props Maddison Robinson and Mo’omo’oga Palu start with captain Georgia Ponsonby at hooker.
The second-row duo are Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu and Laura Bayfield while back-rows Layla Sae and Elinor-Plum King have been named alongside Mia Anderson in the No.8 jersey.
In the backline, scrum-hald Tara Turner starts alongside stand-off Hannah King with the combination of Alena Saili and Amy Du Plessis in the midfield. Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a earns a starting spot alongside Justine McGregor on the wings with Braxton Sorensen-McGee at full-back.
Vici-Rose Green, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Maia Joseph and Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt join Tavake, Davis and Sititi on the bench for the world number two outfit.
This is the first time New Zealand’s women have ever played a Test match on Scottish soil and Black Ferns head coach Whitney Hansen said: “While this campaign is certainly about growing continuity and connections, the match against Scotland presents an exciting opportunity for some new talent to experience of Test rugby.
I want to congratulate Ngano and Maia on being named to make their Black Ferns debut, it will be a special moment for them.
“Ngano’s actions speak louder than her words. She’s incredibly humble, hardworking and has continued to impress us with what she brings to the group, both on and off the field.
“Maia is a talented athlete, and we’ve all loved supporting her growth in this environment. She has so much to offer this team, both now and into the future, and this is just the beginning of something special for her and for us.”
Next up in the Vodafone Scotland WXV Series campaign – part of the wider WXV Global Series presented by Mitsubishi Electric featuring the top sides in the world – is New Zealand this coming Saturday and then Scotland are hosting Australia on September 26, both at the Hive.
Scotland’s away WXV Global Series fixtures will take place against Australia on October 17 and October 23.
The Black Ferns are pictured
It is shaping up to be an exciting 2026/27 season for women’s rugby in Scotland and GH Media will be covering it in detail – if any companies are keen to support this content please send an email to gary@gh-media.co.uk