Black Ferns

Black Ferns Outclassed: A Tale of Triumph & Turmoil in Vancouver!

The Black Ferns faced off against England's Red Roses and it was a match to remember—though maybe not for the right reasons!

In a highly anticipated clash in Vancouver, Canada's WXV1 tournament saw New Zealand's Black Ferns pitted against the formidable England Red Roses. With a tumultuous atmosphere and high stakes, fans eagerly awaited to see if the Black Ferns could rebound from a shocking previous defeat. The anticipation, however, quickly turned to despair for Kiwi supporters as the match unfolded. Changes to the match-day 23 showed the Black Ferns' determination, but it was clear from the outset that they were facing a juggernaut in England.

The match commenced, but New Zealand found themselves on the back foot, trailing 22-12 by halftime. Despite the Black Ferns' fierce spirit and grit, they were simply no match for England’s powerhouse performance, which culminated in a staggering nine tries scored against them. England’s back three—fearsome and relentless—left the Black Ferns scrambling. England captain, Marlie Packer’s pre-match comments echoed in the stadium as her team fiercely executed their strategy and tightened their grip on the scoreboard.

As the second half rolled on, the gap widened, and the final whistle confirmed the Black Ferns' defeat at 49-31. Adjustments were made and strategies discussed, but it seemed that every attempt made by New Zealand was countered with rapid, clinical precision by England. The loss marked the Black Ferns’ second disappointment in the WXV1 tournament, crushing their title hopes at this stage. This undefeated streak for England is no mere coincidence; they now boast an astounding 19 wins in a row and nearly 50 victories from their last 51 fixtures.

Despite this setback, the future of the Black Ferns remains bright. With six World Cup titles under their belt, the team has a powerful legacy to build upon. Whether in rugby or life, storms often make way for rainbows; New Zealand Rugby is keen to reflect on its victories and learn from its defeats. It’s all part of the journey in the beautiful game.

Interesting fact #1: Did you know the Black Ferns have won the Women's Rugby World Cup a jaw-dropping six times? They are truly a force to be reckoned with in women's rugby!

Interesting fact #2: The England women’s rugby team has evolved significantly over the years, and under the leadership of coach John Mitchell, they have become a dominant force in the sport, proving that teamwork and strategy certainly pay off!