Elinor-Plum King was the crown jewel in the Black Ferns trial last week. That dynamic outing has handed the Matatū loose forward her Black Ferns debut against the Wallaroos in Auckland on Saturday. King scored a hat-trick against the Black Ferns XV and showed the full breadth of her game, which shone throughout the Super Rugby Aupiki season after moving south from the Hurricanes Poua. “She’s worked exceptionally hard over the past three years to put her hand up for this team, and what we saw from her last week showed she’s ready to be part of this environment,’’ Black Ferns head coach Whitney Hansen said. It is a big occasion for the Black Ferns, playing their first test since April, when they beat the Wallaroos 40-5 in the Sunshine Coast. The Wallaroos will be out to put in a much better performance as they play their 100th test and try get their hands on the O’Reilly Cup for the first time. Hansen has named a strong line up as the Black Ferns get their bumper end-of-year tour under way. Braxton Sorensen-McGee starts at fullback and Sylvia Brunt and Amy Du Plessis make a strong midfield combination. Ruahei Demant will captain from first five, Otago’s Maia Joseph starts at halfback and Kaipo Olsen-Baker starts at No 8 after sitting out last week’s internal game. Teenagers Amarante Sititi and winger Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a will earn their first caps off the bench. “Shyrah is a strong ball carrier and has great offload ability who’s gained a huge amount of experience being around this group,’’ Hansen said. “Amarante is a phenomenal talent with the versatility to play both lock and loose forward as she continues to develop. She’s powerful in collisions and is building a deeper understanding of her role within the team.’’ It is will be a special moment for Matatū prop Santo Taumata, who has been named on the bench four years after her last at the home Rugby World Cup. She has been hampered by injuries in recent years. Halfback Ariana Bayler has also been recalled, for the injured Tara Turner, and will come off the bench. The Black Ferns have never lost to the Wallaroos in their 29 games. The Wallaroos have good experience in Desiree Miller, Michaela Leonard, Eva Karpani and Piper Duck,. Waiaria Ellis, who turns 19 next month, will drive the side from first five and Sevens star Maddison Levi gets her chance off the bench. Black Ferns v Wallaroos Auckland, 3.05pm Black Ferns: Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Mererangi Paul, Amy Du Plessis, Sylvia Brunt, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Ruahei Demant, Maia Joseph, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Elinor-Plum King, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Maia Roos, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Georgia Ponsonby, Chryss Viliko. Reserves: Vici-Rose Green, Maddison Robinson, Santo Taumata, Amarante Sititi, Mia Anderson, Ariana Bayler, Hannah King, Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a. Wallaroos: Faitala Moleka, Maya Stewart, Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea, Cecilia Smith, Desiree Miller, Waiaria Ellis, Tia Hinds, Piper Duck, Lily Bone, Siokapesi Palu Sekona, Michaela Leonard, Kaitlan Leaney, Eva Karpani, Tania Naden, Brianna Hoy. Reserves: Brittany Merlo, Allana Sikimeti, Bridie O’Gorman, Pia Tapsell, Emily Chancellor, Samantha Wood, Bienne Terita, Maddison Levi
