Black Ferns show potential At a glance
The Black Ferns battered down Canada’s resistance for another morale-boosting victory in the Pacific Four Series yesterday.
Despite two yellow cards and a player disadvantage for 10 minutes in each half, the world champion Kiwis were too strong for an underwhelming Canadian side, finishing with authority to win 28-0 at Auckland’s Trusts Arena.
When No 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker returned from the sinbin on the hour, the Black Ferns motored forward and Maiakawanakaulani Roos crashed over to effectively end the contest.
The world No 2 Kiwis blew out the score with late tries for Chelsea Bremner and Ruby Tui’s second from a devastating break.
Wayne Smith again made several changes, as the Black Ferns coaching boss figures out their best team for this year’s Rugby World Cup, and rhythm was hard to come by against Canada.
The world No 3 Canadians targeted the Black Ferns with an often effective lineout drive, but it was largely repelled.
That should inspire the Black Ferns’ defensive mojo after having a rotten time against English and French mauls last November.
The inclusion of Hazel Tubic for her first test at first five-eighth gave them an astute kicking option to play from.
But the Black Ferns struggled to hang on to possession for long periods and build phases to punch through Canada, who were often beaten through the middle by rushing Kiwi attackers.
They were, at times, guilty of overplaying their hand when simpler, blunter moves were troubling Canada.
Ayesha Leti-I’iga made an early eye-catching break from a pinpoint
Tubic kick but blew a certain try by not passing inside.
Still, with the weather clear after the awful rain in Tauranga in Monday’s win over Australia, the Black Ferns had more freedom to play the attacking game Smith wants. But they were also demonstrating a physical dominance that would perhaps have been more pleasing for the coaching staff.
More so because England and France outmuscled the Black Ferns in the big losses on last year’s northern tour.
With scrums, turnovers, in defence and at the breakdown, they were overpowering a strong Canadian side.
Discipline and simple mistakes held them back, however, and tighthead Tanya Kalounivale was sinbinned in a scrappy first half because of a needless, cynical infringement.
Only Tubic’s two penalty goals separated the teams at halftime.
The big moment
Tui’s moment of magic for her first try in the 47th minute was an inspirational solo score that gave the Black Ferns a commanding lead.
In space after breaking down the right flank, she executed a near-perfect chip and chase to touch down in the corner.
Match rating: 6/10
There were plenty of errors that bogged down the contest, but the Black Ferns were dominant in an improved second half. Canada had few chances but for a rolling maul that nearly led to a try when the test was in the balance.
The big picture
At Trusts Arena, Auckland: Black Ferns 28 (Ruby Tui 2, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Chelsea Bremner tries; Hazel Tubic 2 pen, Ruahei Demant con) Canada 0. HT: 6-0.
The Black Ferns top the Pacific Four Series and can clinch the trophy next Saturday against the United States in Whangā rei.
The United States held off a second-half fightback from Australia to win yesterday’s opening test 16-14.