Palu, who has signed with the Hurricanes Poua for 2026, has been named to start at tighthead prop for the Black Ferns’ final Pacific Four clash at Sunshine Coast Stadium in Australia on Saturday night.
It is the first time the Black Ferns have played the Wallaroos on Anzac Day.
“From Hawke’s Bay to high performance environments, I’ve witnessed Mo’omo’oga chase greatness,” coach Whitney Hansen, who coached Palu at Matatu, said.
“Her achievement hasn’t come quickly. She’s worked hard, and her rugby journey is a genuine reflection of the women’s rugby pathway at work in New Zealand.
‘‘I hope she enjoys every moment come this Saturday.”
Hansen has made three other changes to the team that beat Canada last weekend.
Justine McGregor gets the start on the right wing, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakelelu and Maddison Robinson move to the bench, and hooker Atlanta Lolohea will play her first test of the season off the bench.
Otago halfback Maia Joseph holds on to the No 9 jersey inside first five Ruahei Demant, while Amy du Plessis and Sylvia Brunt have been strong in the midfield.
Laura Bayfield - an engineer captain with the New Zealand Army - and Maia Roos pack down in the locks, and Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Kennedy Tukuafu and Liana Mikaele-Tu’u are the loose forwards.
While the Black Ferns are hoping to retain the O’Reilly Cup and secure the Pacific Four title with a victory, Hansen said the significance of playing on Anzac Day was at the forefront of their minds.
‘‘This game is an opportunity for us to celebrate two nations coming together to commemorate the sacrifices made by members who served.
‘‘This weekend we play for them.
“The Black Ferns and Wallaroos transtasman rivalry already carries significance.
‘‘We know Australia are a strong team and will match the physicality that we bring, they have nothing to lose and everything to play for.”
Black Ferns v Wallaroos
Saturday, April 25
Sunshine Coast Stadium, Queensland
Kickoff: 9.45pm (NZ time)
Team: Renee Holmes, Justine McGregor, Amy du Plessis, Sylvia Brunt, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Ruahei Demant (co-captain), Maia Joseph, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Kennedy Tukuafu (co-captain), LianaMikaele-Tu’u, Laura Bayfield, Maia Roos, Mo’omo’oga Palu, Georgia Ponsonby, Chryss Viliko.
Reserves: Atlanta Lolohea, Maddison Robinson, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Mia Anderson, Tara Turner, Hannah King, Mererangi Paul.
