Cruise to easy victory over USA

After keeping it tight in the forwards close to the 22m line, the Black Ferns got the overlap they were looking for to make for an easy first try of the match.

Halfback Kendra Cocksedge took the ball from the breakdown and fed firstfive Ruahei Demant who could have gone over herself, but passed to centre Carla Hohepa who only needed to fall over the line.

Shortly after Te Kura NgataAerengamate went over for the Black Ferns’ second try after some brilliant pick and go in the forwards again.

The rolling maul was their weapon throughout the match, with the US forward pack looking disorganised and weaker than the visitors.

The US eventually ran out of tacklers, giving space to Natahlia Moors who scored her first try in the black jersey from the quick thinking tap and go by Cocksedge. They led 19-0 just 20 minutes in.

Momentum slowed right down after this, with the Black Ferns making simple mistakes such as Cocksedge’s knock-on close to the line.

The US defence never looked comfortable against the Black Ferns and put themselves under pressure through messy passing behind the 22.

They looked like an intimidated college team against the New Zealanders and their lineout was a mess.

The second half brought a try for Pia Tapsell in her second test and another to Blackwell who was finally rewarded for her hard work to take the Black Ferns to out a 33-0 lead.

A big positive for the Black Ferns was their set piece dominance. Both their lineout and scrum were faultless for most of the match, which makes for a promising season just two matches into 2019.

US second-five Alev Kelter was their standout, but often found herself isolated with the ball, as her outside backs were never in position when the home side had possession.

The Black Ferns play France and England before heading home for a twotest series with Australia.