Rugby: Tried and true for Black Ferns

The Black Ferns perform the haka at the Women's Rugby World Cup. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand women's rugby coach Brian Evans has restored his tried and true performers for the World Cup rugby semifinal against France in London on Thursday morning (NZT).

The same starting 15, with one exception, has been named as who played in their tournament opening defeat of South Africa last week.

Prop Doris Taufateau is replaced by Mel Bosman at tighthead from the side who crushed the South Africans 55-3.

Evans rung the changes for the subsequent pool defeats of Australia, 32-5, and Wales, 41-8.

Canterbury loose forward Melissa Ruscoe regains the captaincy duties for the semifinal while Auckland winger Renee Wickcliffe also returns to the starting lineup having recovered from the calf injury that saw her miss the Wales match on Sunday morning.

Evans said he was impressed with the solid defeat of Wales considering the nine changes he made to the starting linep.

"We scored some great tries and controlled the match very well, we had some problems with ball retention and that is something we have worked hard on this week," he said.

"France is a big and strong team with some quality backs and they will present a real challenge to us. It is important the players remain focused on this match."

France won all three of their pool matches in relatively tight fashion, against Sweden 15-9, Scotland 17-7 and Canada 23-8.

England and Australia will contest the other semifinal.

Team: Victoria Grant, Carla Hohepa, Huriana Manuel, Kelly Brazier, Renee Wickcliffe, Anna Richards, Emma Jensen, Casey Robertson, Justine Lavea, Melissa Ruscoe (captain), Victoria Heighway, Vita Robinson, Mel Bosman, Fiao'o Faamausili, Ruth McKay. Reserves: Karina Penetito, Steph Te Ohaere-Fox, Monalisa Codling, Joan Sione, Kendra Cocksedge, Rebecca Mahoney, Trish Hina

- NZPA