Portia Woodman-Wickliffe selected for first Black Ferns' test in three years
New Zealand rugby player Portia Woodman-Wickliffe.
Photo:
PHOTOSPORT
Black Ferns star
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe
is set to play her first international for the side since the 2022 World Cup final.
Woodman-Wickliffe, who came out of retirement earlier this year, has been named on the wing for Saturday's Pacific Four Series game against Canada in Christchurch.
Black Ferns director of performance Allan Bunting said he was thrilled to have Woodman-Wickliffe back in the black jersey.
"I'm really excited for Portia to again represent her country in front of friends and whānau, it will be a special moment for her. It's been awesome seeing the joy in her eyes and everything she does to enhance our environment.
"Her willingness to learn and grow is contagious; we look forward to seeing her play this weekend against Canada," Bunting said.
Woodman-Wickliffe is also two tries away from reaching 200 points in a Black Ferns Test match to become only the third Black Fern to reach that milestone.
There are three changes to the 15 who started in last weekend's 38-12 win over Australia in Newcastle.
Amy Rule starts at prop, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u at number 8 and Woodman-Wickliffe on the right wing.
Ayesha Leti-l'iga moves from the right wing to the left.
Following her stellar two-try debut last Saturday, rising star Braxton Sorensen-McGee returns for another week at fullback.
Canada is currently ranked second in the world and secured their first-ever win over the Black Ferns (22-19) in Christchurch last year, which saw them claim the PAC4 2024 title.
Braxton Sorensen-McGee of the Black Ferns scores a try during the Pacific Four Test Series match against the Wallaroos, 2025.
Photo:
PHOTOSPORT
Black Ferns v Canada May 17, 3:35pm Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch.
1. Chryss Viliko
2. Georgia Ponsonby
3. Amy Rule
4. Alana Bremner
5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos
6. Layla Sae
7. Kennedy Tukuafu (Co-captain)
8. Liana Mikaele-Tu'u
9. Maia Joseph
10. Ruahei Demant (Co-captain)
11. Ayesha Leti-I'iga
12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i Sylvia Brunt
13. Amy du Plessis
14. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe
15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee
16. Atlanta Lolohea
17. Kate Henwood
18. Tanya Kalounivale
19. Maama Mo'onia Vaipulu
20. Kaipo Olsen-Baker
21. Iritana Hohaia
22. Hannah King
23. Mererangi Paul
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