Milestone for Black Ferns skipper

Black Ferns captain Farah Palmer will play her 20th test when New Zealand face Australia in the second round of the women's World Cup in Barcelona tonight.

The 31-year-old Manawatu hooker will lead a side with four changes from the team who thrashed Germany 117-0 in their first game on Wednesday.

In a new-look front row, Palmer will pack down with experienced Waikato prop Regina Sheck and Wellington's Rebecca Luia'ana, who replace new caps Casey Robertson and Helen Vaaga.

Openside flanker Adrianne Lili'i comes off the bench in place of Izzy Gray and young Canterbury winger Amiria Marsh starts ahead of Vanessa Cootes.

"The game against Germany was good for getting the pre-tournament jitters over and done with and seeing if we could work well as a team, but Australia will be a significant step up," Palmer said.

"Over the years Australia have probably been our toughest opposition."

Playing 20 tests is a milestone for New Zealand players because their limited international programme means only two players have exceeded it - first five-eighths Anna Richards and halfback Monique Hirovanaa.

Black Ferns side to play Australia: Tammi Wilson (Auckland), Dianne Kahura (Auckland), Annaleah Rush (Auckland), Amiria Marsh (Canterbury), Suzy Shortland (Auckland), Anna Richards (Auckland), Monique Hirovanaa (Auckland), Rochelle Martin (Auckland), Adrianne Lili'i (Auckland), Cheryl Waaka (Auckland), Victoria Heighway (Auckland), Monalisa Codling (Auckland), Rebecca Luia'ana (Wellington), Farah Palmer (Manawatu), Regina Sheck (Waikato).

Reserves: Fiaoo Faamausili (Auckland), Helen Vaaga (Auckland), Fiona King (Otago), Melodie Robinson (Auckland), Emma Jensen (Waikato), Hannah Myers (Otago), Vanessa Cootes (Waikato).