Black Ferns

The New Zealand women face the United States in Whangarei this afternoon after wins over Australia and Canada in the Pacific Four Series.

The Black Ferns routed the USA with an eight-try 50-6 win in Whangārei to wrap up their undefeated Pacific Four series campaign on a high.

That wasn't to say they didn't have their chances to respond. The play was met with plenty of delight from the Whangārei faithful who had turned up to watch the match, many supporting the Northland Black Ferns who finally had a chance to play in front of their friends and family. Wing Ayesha Leti-I'iga set the tempo early with a try in the second minute, brushing aside her defender on the way to the line - a description that would suit many of the scoring plays for the Black Ferns as the US struggled to hold on in the heavy rain.

The NZ women hope to sweep their Pacific Four campaign against the winless Americans.

New Zealand winger Ayesha Leti-I'iga scored a hat-trick as the Black Ferns continued their preparations for hosting the Women's Rugby World Cup with an ...

Canada came second, overhauling a 10-0 deficit for a 22-10 victory over Australia in their third game. Smith will not have been pleased with the malfunctioning lineout on Saturday but knows he will be able call on some more experienced players, who were rested for series, when the Black Ferns go for a sixth World Cup title later this year. The Black Ferns would have slipped outside the top two in the world rankings for the first time with a loss to the Americans but that never looked likely after scrumhalf Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu crossed for the second try after six minutes.

The hosts score five tries in the opening period to build a 29-6 advantage over the Eagles in Whangarei.

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The Black Ferns have beaten the USA 50-6 in their final Pacific Four match in Whangārei. Wing Ayesha Leti-I'iga starred for New Zealand with three tries, ...

The victory gives the Black Ferns three wins from as many matches in the Pacific Four series, marking a strong start to Wayne Smith's coaching career with the side. A strong defensive effort from the hosts held the USA scoreless in the second half. The Black Ferns have beaten the USA 50-6 in their final Pacific Four match in Whangārei.

The Black Ferns have shrugged off the inclement weather in Whangarei to rack up a third straight win in the Pacific Four series – a creditable 50-6 defeat ...

Canadian No 8 and skipper Sophie de Goede was again prominent and was adjudged player of the day. There was good interpassing in the forwards and some clever variations off lineouts. Leading the charge on attack was left wing Ayesha Leti-I’iga, who ran in a dynamic hat-trick and was in irrepressible mood.

New Zealand's Black Fers celebrate after winning the Pacific Four Series 2022 final match against. ... The Black Ferns saved their best for last. While they began ...

As the Black Ferns continued to hammer away, more gaps showed in the opposition defence. That gave the Black Ferns a significant possession advantage, which showed in the scoreline. The Black Ferns took just two minutes to open the scoring. That allowed Ayesha Leti-I'iga to put on an exhibition of speed, power and footwork, with the Black Ferns left wing often on the end of a backline move – scoring three tries and drawing a giant roar from the crowd whenever she came into the play. Through the three-match series, the Black Ferns kickers converted just six of 16 tries – though Hazel Tubic was on song when she took over the goal kicking against the US. Despite rain falling from start to finish – only getting heavier as the match progressed – the Black Ferns attack flowed frequently.

Ayesha Leti-I'iga scored three tries on the USA, which is three more than the USA team overall managed. Photo by Fiona Goodall - World Rugby/World Rugby via ...

The USA got a penalty and took the lineout to set up a maul. The USA Women's National 15s team has to find the right combination of talent in the backline that is athletic, yes, but, more importantly, works together. Defensively, despite the 50 New Zealand scored, the Eagles are not in a bad place. They won't lose any rankings points for this loss (the formula World Rugby uses has New Zealand so far ahead this result was expected by the system), but it's weird to see them ranked that highly despite the losses (especially November loss to Ireland). Had the USA been playing Italy, one Italian prop would have been in the sin bin. They run a play, win a ruck, run something else, and lose the ball. One of the very best USA players, Zackary we are sure would tell you herself she was too high in contact. This is the story of the New Zealand vs USA game. That in itself isn't all that surprising given that the USA plays very tough teams. Their scrum was better than New Zealand's and the USA won several penalties, drove New Zealand back, and overall were in good shape in that aspect of play. Defensive, obviously the USA gave up eight tries, but the positive here was that, with one or two glaring exceptions, this wasn't for lack of ability or desire to tackle. The lineout, too, operated nicely and while the Black Ferns had one or two hiccups there, the Eagle lineout did the job.