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Black Ferns' character prevails in gritty win
By Ned Lester
A gritty 22-14 win from the Black Ferns was capped by another classic post match interview by Ruby Tui
The Wallaroos came out firing in Adelaide, scoring early through debutant Bienne Terita after the athletic rookie had botched a near identical opportunity only moments earlier. The Wallaroos looked to keep their momentum but were let down time and time again by their set piece, with New Zealand consistently marching them backwards in the scrum.
The Kiwis settled into their game and looked dangerous coming out of the break, but couldn't escape the grasp of Wallaroos openside Emily Chancellor, who finished the game with five turnovers to her name.
The battle of the first fives was an epic one, Arabella McKenzie had her fingerprints all over the Aussie attack. Her distribution game was near flawless setting her outsides up and having a few runs of her own.
Ruahei Demant was solid as ever, however she wasn't afforded to play the free-flowing, instinctual game that last week's Test provided without the breakdown dominance and halves partner Kendra Cocksedge to get that front foot ball.
Beyond Demant, the Black Ferns attacking weapons were dangerous in their limited opportunities. Midfielder Sylvia Brunt had moments of magic, combining agile footwork and raw power for consistent post-contact meters.
Wingers Ruby Tui and Ayesha Leti-I'iga continued their hot form wth ball in hand as well as showing a mammoth work rate on defence. Leti'Iiga will however be disappointed over some knock-ons in crucial attacking opportunities.
Black Ferns co-captain Kennedy Simon left the field mid-game and could be seen post-match sporting crutches, a worrying sign six weeks out from the World Cup. Chelsea Semple also suffered a nasty concussion during a tackle that also earned her a yellow card.
Both sides will have a lot of positives to take away from the game, with debutants stepping up and amplifying internal competition for limited World Cup roster spots so close to the tournament.
The two sides will meet again at The World Cup, in a match that will cap a triple header opening day at Eden Park.
When asked if she backs her team to take home their sixth championship trophy at the tournament, Ruby Tui employed her witty humour to express how the team wouldn't get ahead of themselves:
"You know how it goes mate, all the cliches, day by day, game of two halves, yea definitely."
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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