Subritzky-Nafatali shines

Wayne Smith’s want for the Black Ferns to attack has set in and Rawata thrashed Ngalingali 59-5 in a contest among the country’s top women’s players that was a trial match ahead of this year’s Rugby World Cup.

Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali, the first fiveeighth for the Black Ferns in their last Rugby World Cup win, was particularly impressive and seems to be a contender for a recall.

It would be an incredible comeback for the Northland playmaker. Her last test was nearly five years ago in the 2017 World Cup final when they beat England in Belfast.

The 30-year-old wasn’t required in the second half and appeared to have shown what she was capable of in front of the coaching staff, who would have admired the power of Rawata’s overwhelming dominance with their set piece and at the breakdown.

Returning from injury were the likes of former skippers, such as Eloise Blackwell and Les Elder, and powerhouse No 8 Charmaine McMenamin after missing the squad for last month’s Pacific Four Series.

Of that trio, Blackwell had the strongest game at lock, finishing an excellent attacking move for the best try of the match for Rawata in the first half, and was a big presence in their pack that was often too powerful and controlling Ngalingali’s forwards.

Despite their best efforts, Elder and McMenamin were helpless to prevent Rawata’s momentum, as the side in black scored nine tries to one against the tiring team in red.

This was a trial of greater significance than most. The Black Ferns have only two scheduled tests, as well as the domestic Farah Palmer Cup that starts next week, before their World Cup opener against Australia at Eden Park on October 8.

With Black Ferns past and present, and four on each team without test experience, it was one of the last chances for some to impress the coaches before the O’Reilly Cup series against the Wallaroos in August.