Black Ferns smash Wallaroos
The Wallaroos last played the Black Ferns two years ago, and we now know why.
Glenn Moore’s Black Ferns took the Wallaroos apart at Eden Park yesterday in a 67-3 demolition job with sleet-footed fullback Selica Winiata bagging four tries.
The Wallaroos have now lost all 14 matches against the Black Ferns and this was their equal heaviest defeat, matching the 64-0 loss in Auckland in 1995. Last time they met, the Black Ferns triumphed 16-8 in Tauranga.
On the evidence of this 10-try romp, the Black Ferns will be expected to produce a similarly comfortable result and wrap up the two match series in Albany on Wednesday to claim the Laurie O’Reilly Cup.
For large periods this game appeared as though it was women against school girls. The Black Ferns were clinical; embracing power, pace and had a clear idea of where they were going and what they wanted to achieve.
While the opposition will improve greatly, Moore can be pleased with this starting point as he builds towards three tests against England, Canada and Ireland on the northern tour and ultimately next year’s World Cup in August.
Black Ferns captain Fiao’o Fa’amausili, with the first of her brace, opened the scoring after just five minutes and the flood gates gave way not long after. The home side crossed for five tries in the first half to hold a 31-3 half time advantage. Truth is, there was only ever one team in it.
Electric left wing Renee Wickliffe was prominent throughout, making breaks and setting up tries for solid second-five Chelsea Alley, Winiata and Fa’amausili. Not only did Wickliffe beat her opponents but she made clutch decisions around when to feed team-mates.
On the whole, the Black Ferns were hugely impressive. They set the perfect platform, went wide at every opportunity and frequently found space while doing so. Portia Woodman made several strong carries, damaging angled runs and even snaffled the odd turnover from centre; Honey Hireme offloaded at will and enjoyed regular space and halfback Kendra Cocksedge displayed quick thinking and just as swift delivery.
The Wallaroos were on the backfoot throughout. Under pressure they gave away constant penalties. Referee Alhambra Nievas eventually lost patience, sending Louise Burrows to the bin for repeated team infringing – the experienced prop would be sent off with her second yellow in the second half. Her absence only allowed the Black Ferns to pick up the pace further, and score one try from a wellconstructed rolling maul.
Australia struggled all over the park but particularly at the set piece where the scrum was dominated and the lineout faltered.