Two selection days on either side of the Tasman have set up the back half of the women's international season, and both were built around the same idea: find out who is next.
In Upper Hutt on Friday afternoon, the Black Ferns play the Black Ferns XV at Maidstone Park in the annual trial that pits the incumbents against the players chasing them. Twenty-seven players in the second side have a fortnight's worth of argument to make in eighty minutes.
Elinor-Plum King will make her Black Ferns debut at openside, with uncapped quartet Ngano Tavake, Amarante Sititi, Maia Davis and Shyrah Tuliau-Tua'a all named on an extended ten-woman bench. Ruahei Demant starts at first five, with Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Laura Bayfield in the second row.
Black Ferns head coach Whitney Hansen framed the fixture as much about the jersey as the result.
"We not only acknowledge the significance of this opportunity to continue growing our game through meaningful competition, but also to give the Black Ferns XV the chance to wear the black jersey. For many, it will be their first time," Hansen said.
"Respecting the pathway means recognising that today's XVs athletes are tomorrow's Black Ferns. Supporting their journey starts with moments like these where we honour their place in the game and celebrate the future of our sport."
Matatu lock Emma Dermody, back in the Black Ferns XV for the first time since the side's inaugural match in 2023, is clear-eyed about what a trial week actually offers.
"A week together isn't long, but the coaches have done a good job putting in place a game plan that's quick to pick up and effective if executed," Dermody told RugbyPass. "Most players in this game have played with or against each other. We have prior knowledge of skills. The key is connecting to give ourselves the best chance to showcase our talent."
She rejected the idea that a trial is purely an individual audition. "We've got nothing to lose. We'll play to win, and it will come down to winning moments. Another job is to prepare the Black Ferns for tough games ahead. That's in everybody's best interests."
Dermody missed the 2025 tour of South Africa recovering from shoulder surgery and comes from one of Southland's deepest rugby families, her father Malcolm and sister Jessica both first-class players, with Clarke Dermody a capped All Black. "Southland's a small place," she said. "Rugby's always been in the family. It's not like I had any other choice. Actually, I was on a netball scholarship at Lincoln University in Canterbury and switched to rugby."
Across the Tasman, Rugby Australia named its squad for the Wallaroos' 100th Test, against the Black Ferns in Auckland on 22 August, and the headline is a sevens name. Maddison Levi, a former World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year and Australia's all-time leading try-scorer on the circuit, is uncapped in the fifteen-a-side game and could debut in Auckland.
Levi is one of four uncapped players in the squad alongside Reds captain Jemma Bemrose, Waratahs Player of the Year Amelia Whitaker and Western Force forward Pia Tapsell. Caitlyn Halse, the youngest debutant in Wallaroos history, returns from injury, with recalls for Leilani Nathan, Allana Sikimeti and Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke.
Director of Women's High Performance Tim Walsh, who is leading the coaching group for the rest of 2026 before Sione Fukofuka takes over as head coach in 2027, tied the selection to a longer plan.
"Achieving big ambitions requires an army of purpose-driven, disciplined and focus athletes with a management team that provides an environment that maximises potential," Walsh said.
"It is a fresh start for everyone involved in the Wallaroos program and this next campaign is our responsibility to set a platform on the road to 2029. In what should be a fantastic occasion for our 100th Test match, our promise to align both programs also starts with the inclusions of Maddison Levi, Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea and Bienne Terita, who will add strike out wide."
Australia travel without several first-choice players. Reigning Wallaroos Player of the Year Tabua Tuinakauvadra is unavailable, as are Georgina Friedrichs, Faliki Pohiva, Ella Ryan and Brooklyn Teki Joyce. The squad flies to Auckland on Thursday.
New Zealand swept the Pacific Four Series earlier this year and have eight Tests left in 2026. Friday's trial is where the depth behind that record gets measured; a week later, the Wallaroos find out how far their sevens conversions travel in the fifteens game.
