New Zealand’s teenage sensation, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, has been named in the starting XV to face France in the Women’s Rugby World Cup third-place play-off and will be aiming to break a significant try-scoring record.
The 18-year-old outside centre, who has been one of the stars of the tournament, goes into the match with nine tries—the third-highest by an individual player in the tournament’s history. With just one more try, she would match the 10 scored by the United States’ Jennifer Crawford in 1994, and a brace would see her fall just one short of Black Ferns legend Portia Woodman’s record of 13 tries set in 2017.
Her inclusion at outside centre is one of just two changes made by New Zealand head coach Allan Bunting following the semi-final defeat to Canada last Friday.
In the forward pack, Laura Bayfield is promoted to the second row, with Alana Bremner dropping to the bench. In a key boost for the Black Ferns, Jorja Miller returns from injury to take her place at openside flanker, meaning co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu drops out of the match-day 23 altogether.
For France, who were defeated by England in their semi-final at Ashton Gate, there are three changes to the starting line-up.
In the second row, Taina Maka replaces Hina Ikahehegi, who moves to the bench. The back-line sees Joanna Grisez return on the right wing, with Kelly Arbey taking a spot among the replacements. Finally, Emilie Boulard starts at full-back in place of Morgane Bourgeois, who misses out on the 23.
The six-time world champions, New Zealand, find themselves outside of the final for the first time since 2014, while France is aiming to secure a bronze medal, which would match their best-ever World Cup finish.
