New Zealand name new co-captains for South Africa Test in Johannesburg

Thursday, 03 September 2026 at 08:45

byTom Sansom

History will be made at FNB Stadium this Saturday, with fans witnessing the Black Ferns take on the Springbok Women in South Africa for the first time.

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The match will be played as part of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, before the All Blacks take on the Springboks in their third Test of the series. Both matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sport.

Black Ferns selectors Head Coach Whitney Hansen and Assistant Coaches Tony Christie, Riki Flutey and Simon Kneebone have named a 23-strong team.

In the starting XV, Georgia Ponsonby will make her first appearance as co-captain for the Black Ferns with Hannah King named to start at first-five eighth. Ruahei Demant shifts to the bench and will remain as co-captain for the match.

Black Ferns Head Coach Whitney Hansen said: “The changes create a great opportunity for both Georgia and Hannah to grow their leadership. Georgia is one of our on-field leaders, has a strong understanding of our rugby identity and has the presence to lead as captain.

“Ruahei is an exceptional game-driver and important leader for us. What we know is we need to continue developing more players who can step into these roles, and this is great opportunity for Hannah to grow her leadership and game-driving abilities.”

The loose forward trio will also see Mia Anderson, Elinor-Plum King and Liana Mikaele-Tu’u start. The bench will see the return of hooker Atlanta Lolohea, Laura Bayfield (lock), Tara Turner (halfback) and Justine McGregor (wing).

Highlights of the match will be available on Black Ferns YouTube, 48 hours after the final whistle.

Black Ferns v South Africa (Test caps bracketed)

1. Chryss Viliko (23)
2. Georgia Ponsonby (41) – co-captain
3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (7)
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (42)
5. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (11)
6. Mia Anderson (4)
7. Elinor-Plum King (1)
8. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (39)
9. Maia Joseph (20)
10. Hannah King (14)
11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga (34)
12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (33)
13. Amy Du Plessis (26)
14. Mererangi Paul (18)
15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee (10)

16. Atlanta Lolohea (11)
17. Maddison Robinson (4)
18. Santo Taumata (8)
19. Laura Bayfield (9)
20. Amarante Sititi (1)
21. Tara Turner (3)
22. Ruahei Demant (55) – co-captain
23. Justine McGregor (3)

Unavailable due to injury: Kaipo Olsen-Baker (shoulder)