Black Ferns turn to new faces for Scotland Test with England in mind

The Black Ferns are using their Scotland Test this weekend to give fresh faces a taste of international rugby while testing how quickly a reshuffled side can click.

New Zealand have made seven changes to the starting XV that beat France 28-14 last weekend, with two uncapped players named on the bench in line to make their Test debuts.

The Black Ferns face Scotland at Hive Stadium in Edinburgh at 4.10am NZT on Sunday in their second match of the WXV Global Series.

Black Ferns midfielder Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt says the team know that they cannot rely on what they have seen from Scotland in their four previous meetings.

“We can do all the preview in the world, but we won't really know how the game goes until we play the game and see their brand of footy,” she tells PMN News.

“They'll always fight to the last minute and they can be electric as well.”

Head coach Whitney Hansen has changed seven players in the starting XV, with Brunt moving to the bench.

Alena Saili comes into inside centre alongside Amy du Plessis, while loosehead prop Ngano Tavake and 20-year-old Black Ferns Sevens fullback Maia Davis could both make their Test debuts from the replacements.

Hansen says the match is about building continuity while giving new players valuable international experience.

Listen to Sylvia Brunt's full interview below.

“It will be a special moment for them and their whanau,” she said in a statement.

Brunt, who has 35 Tests for the Black Ferns, says seeing players get their chance is also part of building a stronger squad.

“A lot of people work towards representing our country and they work so hard,” she says.

“It's quite exciting to see how they'll light up the field this weekend and just show everyone the depth we have in our team.”

Her message to the potential debutants is simple: “Just enjoy and be yourselves. We all play footy when we're playing free and having fun.”

The changes have not meant the intensity has dropped at training, with Brunt saying the competition within the squad is helping players build connections.

“Our girls are all quite competitive and we just want the best out of each other,” she says.

“Trainings are hard and sometimes they're harder than the games, but we're all enjoying it and having fun at the same time too.”

Scotland have made five changes to their matchday squad after their 64-26 loss to Canada.

That includes Tonga-heritage winger Katie Buchanan, who is set to play her second Test for Scotland.

The 23-year-old described her Scotland debut as a “dream come true” and told RugbyPass she is “embracing the challenge” of facing the Black Ferns.

Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i Sylvia Brunt of New Zealand is tackled, O’Reilly Cup, New Zealand Black Ferns v Australia Wallaroos in Wellington in July, 2025. Photo/Photosport/Kerry Marshall

New Zealand come into the Test on a seven-match winning streak, including their opening WXV win over France.

But Brunt says the focus is less on the run and more in what the team can build together.

“Any game or anything we go through together will bring us closer,” she says.

With an early start for supporters in Aotearoa, Brunt has one final message for those watching from home.

“Nothing beats watching and supporting women's sport and rugby as well,” she says.

“Support us, get up early, guys. We'll do our best.”

Kick-off is at 4.10am NZT on Sunday.

After Scotland, the Black Ferns face England in London next weekend before returning to Aotearoa for three Tests against France in October.

To keep up to date with the Black Ferns Test internationals, click here to view more.

Black Ferns head coach Whitney Hansen, left, and captain Ruahei Demant during a media conference. Photo/Photosport/Joshua Devenie

2026 WXV Global Series | Black Ferns match day 23 v Scotland

15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee (12)
14. Justine McGregor (5)
13. Amy Du Plessis (28)
12. Alena Saili (6)
11. Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a (2)
10. Hannah King (16)
9. Tara Turner (5)
1. Maddison Robinson (6)
2. Georgia Ponsonby (43) – captain
3. Mo’omo’oga Palu (1)
4. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (13)
5. Laura Bayfield (11)
6. Layla Sae (20)
7. Elinor-Plum King (3)
8. Mia Anderson (6)

Replacements
16. Vici-Rose Green (8)
17. Ngano Tavake*
18. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (9)
19. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (44)
20. Amarante Sititi (2)
21. Maia Joseph (22)
22. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (35)
23. Maia Davis*
*uncapped

Scotland Women:

15. Chloe Rollie (87)
14. Rhona Lloyd (67)
13. Rachel Philipps (5)
12. Meryl Smith (28)
11. Shona Campbell (15)

10. Helen Nelson – Vice-captain (81)
9. Ceitidh Ainsworth (1)

1. Anne Young (24)
2. Lana Skeldon (88)
3. Elliann Clarke (30)
4. Emma Wassell (79)
5. Holland Bogan (5)
6. Rachel Malcolm – Captain (65)
7. Eva Donaldson (27)
8. Evie Gallagher (43)

Replacements

16. Aicha Sutcliffe (3)
17. Leah Bartlett (55)
18. Molly Poolman (13)
19. Sarah Bonar (51)
20. Adelle Ferrie (8)
21. Rhea Clarke (5)
22. Hannah Ramsay (3)
23. Katie Buchanan (1)