Black Ferns coach Allan Bunting has made seven changes to his starting line-up for a must-win Pacific Four showdown against Australia, notably dropping co-captain Ruahei Demant to the bench and omitting star winger Ruby Tui altogether.
Last week, the world champions were stunned 22-19 by Canada for the first time in their history, losing their series crown in the process, and must now regroup against their winless trans-Tasman neighbours.
Demant has been replaced at first-five by rookie Hannah King, while Tui has effectively lost her spot to recalled fullback Renee Holmes, with Mererangi Paul moving to the wing.
While the changes may simply be a case of Bunting rotating his roster for gametime against another opponent that has never beaten them before, they also can't afford to underestimate the Wallaroos and suffer another 'first-ever' defeat.
Last year, the Aussies finished above New Zealand on the WXV1 table, after an upset win over France.
"We have taken some critical learnings from our game against Canada," said Bunting. "This is now our opportunity to move on and take this next challenge against Australia.
"There is a great rivalry between our two nations. We know Australia are coming off some pain as well and know how well they played at the end of last year.
"We are looking to see change in our mental preparation this week. Alongside this, we have a refreshed starting XV, which is growing the depth in our squad and offers them an opportunity to show their capabilities in what will be another intense battle."
Prop Marcelle Parkes will return to the Black Ferns off the bench, her first appearance since 2019, when she played as a loose forward.
Black Ferns: 1-Chryss Viliko, 2-Georgia Ponsonby, 3-Amy Rule, 4-Maia Roos, 5- Alana Bremner, 6-Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, 7-Kennedy Simon (cc), 8-Kaipo Olsen-Baker, 9-Iritana Hohaia, 10-Hannah King, 11-Katelyn Vahaakolo, 12-Sylvia Brunt, 13-Amy du Plessis, 14-Mererangi Paul, 15-Renee Holmes
Reserves: 16-Luka Connor, 17-Marcelle Parkes, 18-Aldora Itunu, 19-Charmaine Smith, 20-Layla Sae, 21-Maia Joseph, 22-Ruahei Demant (cc), 23-Grace Steinmetz (2)
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