The Black Ferns have named a pair of debutants as part of a string of changes for their Pacific Four Series test against Canada at Auckland on Sunday.
Matatū centre Amy Du Plessis will earn her first official test cap, after featuring in the Black Ferns' domestic series against the Barbarians back in 2020. She'll replace Kelsey Teneti, who has returned to the national sevens programme.
Teenager Sylvia Brunt will make her debut off the bench, having impressed with her powerful running game for Auckland during the Farah Palmer Cup.
Changes in the backline see Hazel Tubic earn her first start at first five, with captain Ruahei Demant moving out to second-five.
Demant replaces Chelsea Semple, who was not available for selection due to illness
Upfront, Luka Connor, Tanya Kalounivale, Joanah Ngan-Woo and Tafito Lafaele have all been promoted to the starting pack.
The Black Ferns kicked off their tournament with a comeback win over Australia on Monday.
Black Ferns director of rugby Wayne Smith said the seven changes to the starting XV were made to ensure all of the players in the 32-woman squad are given a chance to impress, as the World Cup on home soil looms.
"We've selected players that we think are up to the level required at international rugby, so we are making sure they get the opportunity on the field to prove that," Smith said.
"This series is all about players showing what they can do and putting their best foot forward for when it comes time for Rugby World Cup selection."
The Black Ferns have won all 16 of their previous tests against Canada.
Black Ferns: 1-Phillipa Love, 2-Luka Connor, 3-Tanya Kalounivale, 4-Maia Roos, 5-Joanah Ngan-Woo, 6-Alana Bremner, 7-Tafito Lafaele, 8-Kaipo Olsen-Baker, 9-Kendra Cocksedge, 10-Hazel Tubic, 11-Ayesha Leti-I’iga, 12-Ruahei Demant (capt), 13-Amy du Plessis, 14-Ruby Tui, 15-Cheyelle Robins-Reti
Reserves: 16-Georgia Ponsonby, 17-Angel Mulu, 18-Amy Rule, 19-Chelsea Bremner, 20-Liana Mikaele-Tu’u/ Kendra Reynolds, 21-Ariana Bayler/ Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu, 22-Sylvia Brunt, 23-Renee Wickliffe
Join us at 2:45pm Sunday for live updates of Black Ferns v Canada
