The historic test against the Wallaroos on the Sunshine Coast tonight will blend the army captain’s two passions — representing the New Zealand Army and playing for the Black Ferns — together.
It marks the first time the Black Ferns have played on Anzac Day, a special but different way for Bayfield to remember those before her.
‘‘I think as a service person being able to play on Anzac Day is a really special occasion,’’ Bayfield said.
‘‘It’s going to be a really proud moment for both our teams.
‘‘I never thought I would be able to have a moment like this where both my careers collide, so to be able to play rugby, to pull on the black jersey on Anzac Day is ... just a proud moment.
‘‘I’ve done a few Anzac Days in Australia and the crowds, and the people, that turn up in support is incredible.
‘‘I know that that atmosphere will be brought to the game— I’m just really looking forward to that.’’
Former Matatu prop Mo’omo’oga Palu has been named to make her Black Ferns debut.
The tighthead will pack down in a strong front row alongside Georgia Ponsonby and Chryss Viliko.
The Black Ferns head in after beating Canada 36-14 last week, and will have some pep in their step after beating the world No 2.
‘‘You definitely take some confidence every time you go out and you have a performance that you’re proud of and we’re very much aware of that one,’’ coach Whitney Hansen said.
‘‘But we also know there’s lots still to go in terms of improvement, so we’ll stay confident because we back our game plan and we back our athletes.’’
Hansen is well aware Australia offer something different from Canada and the United States.
The Wallaroos are yet to win a game this series, but that will not deter their fight.
‘‘I think that they’re coming out with nothing to lose and everything to play for.
‘‘What we know is that we haven’t seen the best of Australia yet and I think that they’re building every week.
‘‘They’ll be incredibly physical and they’re playing at home, so I think it’s going to be an exciting opportunity to see them at their best too.’’
Lock Michaela Leonard will become the most-capped Wallaroo in history when she lines up for her 46th test tonight.
Leonard — who surpasses Ashley Marsters, who has represented the Wallaroos since 2014 — made her debut in 2019 and has played 45 of a possible 47 tests since, including 16 as captain.
Pacific Four Series
Sunshine Coast, 9.45pm
Black Ferns: Renee Holmes, Justine McGregor, Amy du Plessis, Sylvia Brunt, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Ruahei Demant, Maia Joseph, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Kennedy Tukuafu, Liana Mikaele-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
Wallaroos: Waiaria Ellis, Maya Stewart, Georgina Friedrichs, Sidney Taylor, Desiree Miller, Faitala Moleka, Samantha Wood, Siokapesi Palu Sekona, Lily Bone, Kaitlan Leaney, Michaela Leonard, Eva Karpani, Tania Naden, Brianna Hoy.
Reserves: Brittany Merlo, Martha Fua, Bridie O’Gorman, Ashley Fernandez, Piper Duck, Piper Simons, Ava Wereta, Nicole Ledington.
