Ferns fullback a hat-trick hero
Paul scores three tries within opening 20 minutes before Americans hit back
The Black Ferns flew out of the gates yesterday into their 2024 campaign. In their first test of the year, against the United States in Hamilton, the Black Ferns scored 36 points in 27 minutes to set up a 57-5 win, with fullback Mererangi Paul completing a hat-trick in the opening 20 minutes.
It was a performance Allan Bunting’s team can build on, with plenty to like but some issues to address.
For most of the first half, the hosts were ahead of the clock with their scoring, as the Americans struggled to contain them — particularly out wide, with outside backs Katelyn Vahaakolo, Ruby Tui and Paul prominent in the opening 40 minutes.
But the second half was a different story, with the visitors largely dictating play and showing a lot more fight defensively.
The Black Ferns had a couple of issues at the scrum and lineout, while they also conceded penalties that helped relieve pressure on the Americans as they tried to work out of their own territory.
The Black Ferns outscored the US 21-5 in the second half, but that flattered the hosts, as they scored two tries in the final eight minutes.
Lock Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, halfback Maia Joseph and back-up first-five Hannah King looked settled on their Black Ferns debuts as Bunting looks to build depth.
Amy du Plessis scored after two minutes following a break down the left wing by Vahaakolo. A smart offload from right wing Tui put fullback Paul across a couple of minutes later, before Vahaakolo scored with alarming ease as she cruised around the US defenders from halfway with little resistance.
Paul scored the next try with a little flair as she ignored Tui — who was unmarked beside her — about 22m out from the goal line to instead try a chip and chase over the US fullback. The ball bounced in her favour for a memorable try. The fullback scored her third inside 20 minutes off a lovely little crossfield kick after the US defence jammed in.
When Vaipulu pushed over for her first test try to make it 36-0 after 27 minutes, the Black Ferns were on track to run up a record score.
But that was where the US fightback began. After the break, the visitors got into their work and tested the Black Ferns defence, before Tui extended the lead — this time Paul giving up a try to assist Tui in scoring.
The US were rewarded for a strong half through a try to loose forward Freda Tafuna but late tries from Layla Sae and Patricia Maliepo saw the Black Ferns claim a 52-point win — a statement start to the season.
Black Ferns 57 (Mererangi Paul 3, Amy du Plessis, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Ruby Tui, Layla Sae, Patricia Maliepo tries; Ruahei Demant 3 cons, Hannah King 3 cons) United States 5 (Freda Tafuna try). HT: 36-0.