Wales face the daunting task of going head to head with the reigning World Cup champions, the Black Ferns, in just their second pool fixture as they bid to navigate an exit from the group stages.
New Zealand, ranked second in the world to Wales' eighth after round one, will pose a major challenge at a sold-out Waitakere Stadium in west Auckland, with their strike power a major asset and threat to any opposition.
Wales head coach Ioan Cunningham has made four changes to his starting side after the last-minute win over Scotland last weekend, while the Black Ferns have seen wholesale changes.
Wales and the Black Ferns have previously met on four occasions, most recently a 44-12 New Zealand win at the 2017 Rugby World Cup. The sides did play in a friendly last October, too.
Here's everything you need to know about the game:
Wales face the Black Ferns in the early hours of Sunday, October 16, if you're watching from the UK, 3.15am, or 3.15pm local time.
Wales' clash against New Zealand will be broadcast live in the UK on S4C and ITV online.
Wales' backline is unchanged in the wake of the last-minute win over Scotland in the opening round last weekend, where a successful penalty kick by replacement scrum-half Keira Bevan ensured a narrow 18-15 win.
Hannah Jones is named vice-captain and lines up in midfield alongside Meg Webb, while wings Jasmine Joyce and Lisa Neumann form and full-back Kayleigh Powell form the back-three. Elinor Snowsill and Ffion Lewis are the starting half-backs, with Bevan and Robyn Wilkins on the bench along with midfield cover Kerin Lake, who has recovered from injury to line up for her first-ever World Cup appearance.
After being dealt a major injury blow with news that flanker Alisha Butchers was ruled out of the rest of the tournament due to a "significant" knee injury, a reshuffle has taken place in the pack.
Lock Gwen Crabb moves to No. 6, Siwan Lillicrap resumes the captaincy and starts in the second-row alongside Natalia John, with Bethan Lewis claiming the starting No. 7 jersey over Alex Callender and Kelsey Jones coming into the front-row in place of Carys Phillips, who is carrying an ankle knock. Sioned Harries retains her place at the back of the scrum, while Cara Hope and Donna Rose complete the front-row.
As for the hosts, they head into this contest on the back of a 41-17 win over Australia in their pool opener. Whether or not they could muscle up up front when it counts was a question mark ahead of the tournament, but assistant coach Wesley Clarke admits they also need to tidy up their set-piece, line speed and aggression in defence after the win over the Wallaroos.
New Zealand have made wholesale changes to the starting line-up, with five players set to make their World Cup debuts.
A new-look front-row sees Awhina Tangen-Wainohu win her first start in the black jersey and Tanya Kalounivale returning from injury, while hooker Georgia Ponsonby is promoted after coming off the bench last weekend. Alana Bremner also makes a return from injury and will be joined by Kendra Reynolds and Charmaine McMenamin to make up the back-row.
Auckland midfielders Theresa Fitzpatrick and Sylvia Brunt combine at centre, while Renee Wickliffe gets a start on the wing in her fourth World Cup, with Ruby Tui donning the full-back jersey for the first time. Krystal Murray will make her Rugby World Cup debut off the bench.
Wales: 15. Kayleigh Powell, 14. Jasmine Joyce, 13. Megan Webb, 12. Hannah Jones, 11. Lisa Neumann, 10. Elinor Snowsill, 9. Ffion Lewis, 1. Cara Hope, 2. Kelsey Jones, 3. Donna Rose, 4. Natalia John, 5. Siwan Lillicrap (capt), 6. Gwen Crabb, 7. Bethan Lewis, 8. Sioned Harries.
Replacements: 16. Kat Evans, 17. Caryl Thomas, 18. Sisilia Tuipulotu, 19. Abbie Fleming, 20. Alex Callender, 21. Keira Bevan, 22. Robyn Wilkins, 23. Kerin Lake.
New Zealand: 15. Ruby Tui, 14. Renee Wickliffe, 13. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Ataii (Sylvia) Brunt, 12. Theresa Fitzpatrick, 11. Portia Woodman, 10. Ruahei Demant (capt), 9. Ariana Bayler, 1. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, 2. Georgia Ponsonby, 3. Tanya Kalounivale, 4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 5. Chelsea Bremner, 6. Alana Bremner, 7. Kendra Reynolds, 8. Charmaine McMenamin.
Replacements: 16. Luka Connor, 17. Krystal Murray, 18. Santo Taumata, 19. Joanah Ngan-Woo, 20. Sarah Hirini, 21. Kendra Cocksedge, 22. Amy du Plessis, 23. Hazel Tubic.
"Youve got to keep some momentum and consistency," Wales boss Ioan Cunningham said of his team selection. "I thought Meg Webb did extremely well on Sunday, she deserves another opportunity as do the rest of the backs.
"We wanted to bring the experience of our captain in at lock. Unfortunately, we have lost Alisha so we wanted to utilise Gwen Crabbs extra strength at No. 6. Bethan Lewis has been pushing Alex Callender in training and deserves a start. Carys Phillips has picked up a slight ankle injury so its a chance for Kelsey to start and for Kat [Evans] to come off the bench. Kerin [Lake], Sisilia [Tuipulotu] and Abbie [Fleming] come on to the bench, it will be good to see them go.
"We started well against Scotland, scored two tries but created more scoring opportunities, we probably left two tries out there. If we can take more of those opportunities, well be in a much better place come Sunday evening.
"Were playing New Zealand in their home World Cup, were both on the back of wins, so its all about this game now. We have nothing to lose but you have to be brave against any New Zealand team, you have to go for it, score tries, we cant hold back, we have to go for it. Australia showed you can create opportunities and we need to do that too."
As for Black Ferns director of rugby Wayne Smith, he said: "We are balancing a desire to keep as much continuity as possible but we want to give players the opportunity to put their form out on the park. So we are putting in a lot of work around who plays when.
"We need to use this whole occasion to make us better. Were in our own country, marching behind our flag, it is the greatest time in our life. We need to use that to our advantage."
READ NEXT:
Go here to read the rest:
- New Zealand keep series alive after England's dramatic collapse - Yahoo Sports - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- New Zealand to Ban Disposable Vapes | TIME - TIME - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- U.S. Men's Olympic Soccer Team to Face France, New Zealand and Asia-Africa Playoff Winner in Group A at 2024 ... - U.S. Soccer - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Around the world: New Zealand settling into World Championship - worldcurling.org - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- New Zealand will ban disposable e-cigarettes in a bid to prevent minors from taking up the habit - The Associated Press - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- New Zealand beat England by three runs in third womens T20 international as it happened - The Guardian - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Thailand revokes visas of New Zealand tourists after roadside brawl with police - South China Morning Post - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- England beat New Zealand by 15 runs in second womens T20 international as it happened - The Guardian - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- England Women begin tour of New Zealand with victory in opening T20 - The Guardian - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Jack Blacks epic New Zealand Warriors moment goes viral: Up the Wahs! - New Zealand Herald - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- New Zealand vs England third T20 result: Hosts keep series alive - The Telegraph - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- More details revealed about New Zealand interest in joining AUKUS security pact - RNZ - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- For 60 years NZ has searched its 'Bermuda Triangle' for the Dragonfly a plane that got lost in the clouds - ABC News - ABC News - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Filipina-Kiwi actress Franki Russell appointed as Miss Universe New Zealand - GMA News Online - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- England suffer dramatic three-run defeat to New Zealand in third T20 international - Sky Sports - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- England take T20 series lead with comfortable win over New Zealand in Dunedin as Heather Knight stars - Eurosport COM - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- New Zealand February trade data shows exports and imports both climbing from January - ForexLive - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- New Zealand v England: Tourists collapse to hand White Ferns victory in third T20 - BBC - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Thailand revokes visas for New Zealand tourists arrested for attacking police officer - The Independent - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Does a weak New Zealand economy lead to a weak NZ dollar? - Interest.co.nz - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- England Women suffer defeat against New Zealand in Nelson - SuperSport - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- SailGP Black Foils win ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in the chaos and collisions - Sailweb - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- 'Dragonfly' plane mysteriously lost in New Zealand's 'Bermuda Triangle' is still being searched for 60 years later - Supercar Blondie - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- New Zealand adds two Paris 2024 Olympic spots at Oceania qualifier - World Archery - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- China always regards New Zealand as a sincere friend, important partner amid complex international situation ... - Global Times - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Chumbawamba asks New Zealand's populist party to stop using hit song Tubthumping - The Independent - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Captains knock from Knight helps England to T20 win in New Zealand - The Guardian - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Why is New Zealand's deputy PM rowing with Chumbawamba? - The Spectator - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Molly Caudery's New Zealand training is just another example of her life of chaos... the pole vaulter is one o - Daily Mail - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- We Were Dangerous Filmmakers On Their Hilarious Yet Tense New Zealand Period Drama - Screen Rant - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Police hunt for two women kicked out of Auckland metal concert - New Zealand Herald - January 14th, 2024 [January 14th, 2024]
- Hospitality New Zealand to launch industry strategy looking to next 10 years - RNZ - January 14th, 2024 [January 14th, 2024]
- Australia, New Zealand move toward clean energy transition - Anadolu Agency | English - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Airdate: New Zealand From A Train - TV Tonight - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Labours Winter Plan Excludes Half Of New Zealand - Scoop - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- What's New On Disney+ | Flamin' Hot (Australia/New Zealand) - What's On Disney Plus - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Roundup: Telehealth providers needed in rural New Zealand and ... - Healthcare IT News - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Why it's taking so long to open New Zealand's first Ikea - Stuff - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- New Zealand companies showcase apple, kiwi in HCM City - Viet Nam News - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Christopher Luxon has a point: New Zealand needs more people - Stuff - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Climate scientist says New Zealand insulated from worst, but warns ... - RNZ - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Can the New Zealand Super Pacific teams be stopped this weekend? - RNZ - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- New Zealand Fiji reaffirm close relationship - Beehive.govt.nz - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- New Zealand has a new Scrabble champ - Times - Times Online - Auckland - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Elite sports trainer had sexual relationship with teen athlete who fell ... - New Zealand Herald - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- New independent advisory board welcomed to the Royal New ... - New Zealand Police - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- IBM New Zealand's profit took a mauling in FY2022 - Reseller News - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Elliott Smith: Why NZ has a Super Rugby coaching problem - New Zealand Herald - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Hospitality Innovator To Open Hospitality New Zealand Conference - Scoop - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- The New Zealand travel card game being adopted by stoned ... - The Spinoff - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Boxing New Zealand welcomes IOC's decision to terminate 'corrupt ... - Stuff - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- How a spooky old water tank inspired New Zealand's latest creature ... - The Spinoff - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- He drove almost the length of New Zealand: Truck driver disqualified ... - New Zealand Herald - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- What will 200000 buy in Norway, Sweden, South Africa, New ... - The Irish Times - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Where to find New Zealand's best sea experiences on World ... - New Zealand Herald - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- New Zealand specialists to probe sudden chicken deaths - Cook Islands News - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Qantas v Air New Zealand to New York: Is there room for both? - New Zealand Herald - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- A Journey Through New Zealands Less-Visited Corners Showcases Mori ... - March 31st, 2023 [March 31st, 2023]
- New Zealand: 7.1-magnitude earthquake prompts tsunami warning in ... - March 20th, 2023 [March 20th, 2023]
- New Zealand actress Melanie Lynskey reveals romantic behind the scenes secret from The Last of Us series - New Zealand Herald - March 20th, 2023 [March 20th, 2023]
- Gin Wigmore on what she doesnt miss about New Zealand and gnarly birth experience - New Zealand Herald - March 20th, 2023 [March 20th, 2023]
- China wants to help New Zealand recover from Cyclone Gabrielle, including financing, constructing key infrastructure - Newshub - March 20th, 2023 [March 20th, 2023]
- New Zealand on Alert over Supervolcano with Explosive History - March 13th, 2023 [March 13th, 2023]
- New Zealand police reach more people previously not contactable after ... - February 20th, 2023 [February 20th, 2023]
- Cyclone Gabrielle: fresh storm warnings for New Zealands worst-hit ... - February 20th, 2023 [February 20th, 2023]
- UPDATE: New Zealand government estimates more than $8 billion worth of damage caused by cyclone Gabrielle - Euro Weekly News - February 20th, 2023 [February 20th, 2023]
- Warning as major new scam cons New Zealand investors out of millions in just a few weeks - Newshub - February 20th, 2023 [February 20th, 2023]
- 15 Most Beautiful Small Towns in New Zealand - WorldAtlas - February 5th, 2023 [February 5th, 2023]
- Ed Sheeran dissed New Zealand chocolate in 2015 - now he thinks it's 'actually alright' - Newshub - February 5th, 2023 [February 5th, 2023]
- New Zealand lifts state of emergency declaration as rain ... - February 2nd, 2023 [February 2nd, 2023]
- New Zealand Pop-Punk Band Goodnight Nurse Are Reuniting to Open for My Chemical Romance Next Month - Concrete Playground - February 2nd, 2023 [February 2nd, 2023]
- New Zealand prepares for more flooding after country's ... - January 31st, 2023 [January 31st, 2023]
- Auckland flooding: death toll rises as New Zealand hit with ... - January 31st, 2023 [January 31st, 2023]
- There is still enough pull to play for New Zealand: Ferguson on players giving up contracts - The Indian Express - January 31st, 2023 [January 31st, 2023]
- India Predicted XI vs New Zealand: Will Prithvi Shaw be roped in for IND vs NZ 3rd T20I? - Republic World - January 31st, 2023 [January 31st, 2023]
- New Zealand climate and weather | 100% Pure New Zealand - January 2nd, 2023 [January 2nd, 2023]
- Countdown for New Year begins; New Zealand welcome 2023 as millions celebrate - The Economic Times - January 2nd, 2023 [January 2nd, 2023]
- New Zealand Welcomes The New Year In Grand Style | Fireworks Show From Auckland's Sky Tower - News18 - January 2nd, 2023 [January 2nd, 2023]
- Sir John Key says mainstream thinking will embrace China again, New Zealand will have 'magnificent' relationship with Beijing - Newshub - December 18th, 2022 [December 18th, 2022]
- Glowworms, rubber tubes, and the Nile: A most unusual adventure in New Zealand - Moneycontrol - December 18th, 2022 [December 18th, 2022]