New Black Ferns coach Allan Bunting has named a fresh-faced side for the opening test of both the Pacific Four Series and O'Reilly Cup against Australia at Brisbane on Thursday.
In his first test in charge, Bunting has promoted six debutants into the gameday squad to face the Wallaroos.
Bay of Plenty prop Kate Henwood, former NZ rugby league representative Katelyn Vahaakolo and Chiefs Manawa standout Mererangi Paul will line up in the starting XV.
Hurricanes Poua halfback Iritana Hohaia, Matatu first five-eighth Rosie Kelly and Black Ferns Sevens star Tenika Willison are also in line to make test debuts off the bench.
"Each of these ladies have been impressive on and off the field, and now have the opportunity to represent their country," said Bunting. "It will be a special occasion for them and their whānau, and one they should be proud of.
"We are all excited for them and looking forward seeing how they go."
In the backs, Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu and Black Ferns co-captain Ruahei Demant have been named as the starting halves combination, while Sylvia Brunt and Amy du Plessis will cover the midfield.
The back three will see Vahaakolo and Paul on the wings, with Renee Holmes named at fullback.
The reserves feature an experienced replacement front row of Luka Connor, Krystal Murray and Amy Rule, while lock Joanah Ngan Woo and loose forward Kendra Reynolds will inject plenty of energy in the forward pack.
The match signals the beginning of a new era for the Black Ferns, who'll play their first match since last year's World Cup final triumph against England, without retired veteran Kendra Cocksedge and coach Sir Wayne Smith.
"Although our time together has been short in my eyes, we have maximised our connection and foundations for our game this year, and we are looking forward to seeing how we shape up for this week's test against the Wallaroos," Bunting added.
"It marks a new dawn for the Black Ferns, as we not only kick off our 2023 campaign, but begin building to the next Rugby World Cup.
"Our coaching team have selected an exciting team that we believe can go out there and play our style of game with freedom."
After Thursday's match, the Black Ferns travel to Canada to take on the hosts and United States in two tests at Ottawa, before returning home to play the second game of the O'Reilly Cup at Hamilton on September 30.
Black Ferns: 1-Kate Henwood, 2-Georgia Ponsonby, 3-Tanya Kalounivale, 4-Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 5-Chelsea Bremner, 6-Alana Bremner, 7-Kennedy Simon (co-captain), 8-Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, 9-Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu, 10-Ruahei Demant (co-captain), 11-Katelyn Vahaakolo, 12-Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt, 13-Amy du Plessis, 14-Mererangi Paul, 15-Renee Holmes
Reserves: 16-Luka Connor, 17-Krystal Murray, 18-Amy Rule, 19-Joanah Ngan Woo, 20-Kendra Reynolds, 21-Iritana Hohaia, 22-Rosie Kelly, 23-Tenika Willison
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