The selectors for the New Zealand women’s rugby team have officialized their match-day 23. Head Coach Whitney Hansen, alongside assistant coaches Riki Flutey, Tony Christie, and Simon Kneebone, confirmed the lineup. Consequently, the upcoming Black Ferns Scotland Test will feature fresh talent and key tactical squad rotations.
The fixture takes place at Hive Stadium in Edinburgh on Saturday, September 19. This match represents their second Northern Hemisphere Test of the ongoing WXV Global Series campaign. Furthermore, local fans can catch the live broadcast on Sky Sport 1.
Two Potential Debutants and Squad Changes
Prop Ngano Tavake and fullback Maia Davis are in line to make their official Test debuts. Both players have been included on the bench to provide dynamic impact during the second half.
In addition, Head Coach Whitney Hansen made multiple strategic adjustments across the starting XV. The front row features props Maddison Robinson and Mo’omo’oga Palu alongside captain Georgia Ponsonby at hooker. Meanwhile, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu and Laura Bayfield form the locking duo.
The loose forward trio includes Layla Sae, Elinor-Plum King, and Mia Anderson packing down at number eight. In the backline, halfback Tara Turner partners first five-eighth Hannah King. Furthermore, Alena Saili and Amy Du Plessis team up in the midfield, with Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a and Justine McGregor on the wings. Braxton Sorensen-McGee rounds out the starting side at fullback.
“While this campaign is certainly about growing continuity and connections, the match against Scotland presents an exciting opportunity for some new talent to experience 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 and their whānau.” — Head Coach Whitney Hansen
Unfortunately, Kaipo Olsen-Baker (shoulder) and Ayesha Leti-I’iga (calf) remain unavailable for selection due to injuries.
Official Match-Day 23 Team Sheet
Starting XV:
1. Maddison Robinson (6 caps)
2. Georgia Ponsonby (43 caps) – Captain
3. Mo’omo’oga Palu (1 cap)
4. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (13 caps)
5. Laura Bayfield (11 caps)
6. Layla Sae (20 caps)
7. Elinor-Plum King (3 caps)
8. Mia Anderson (6 caps)
9. Tara Turner (5 caps)
10. Hannah King (16 caps)
11. Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a (2 caps)
12. Alena Saili (6 caps)
13. Amy Du Plessis (28 caps)
14. Justine McGregor (5 caps)
15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee (12 caps)
Reserves (Replacements):
16. Vici-Rose Green (8 caps)
17. Ngano Tavake* (Debut)
18. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (9 caps)
19. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (44 caps)
20. Amarante Sititi (2 caps)
21. Maia Joseph (22 caps)
22. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (35 caps)
23. Maia Davis* (Debut)
Supporters keeping track of upcoming tour dates can view our full 2026 match schedule page. Ticketing details for international matches are available on our rugby ticket information page. To explore statistical records between trans-Tasman rivals, check our breakdown of the All Blacks head-to-head records.
Match Summary Details
Match: Black Ferns vs Scotland
Date & Time: Saturday, September 19 at 5:10 PM BST (Sunday, September 20 at 4:10 AM NZT)
Venue: Hive Stadium, Edinburgh
Competition: WXV Global Series
Broadcast: Live on Sky Sport 1
For additional official fixtures and rugby news, visit the official World Rugby portal.