The Black Ferns beat Australia’s Wallaroos 40-5 on the Sunshine Coast to win the Pacific Four series title. The match took place in Queensland and gave new coach Whitney Hansen a strong start in charge. New Zealand scored six tries, while Australia scored one.
Winger Ayesha Leti-I’iga scored two tries for the Black Ferns. Amy du Plessis opened the scoring in the fourth minute, and the Wallaroos briefly came closer through captain Siokapesi Palu Sekona. After that, New Zealand scored 33 points without reply.
The win meant the Black Ferns kept the O’Reilly Cup and stayed unbeaten against Australia after 30 matches. They also completed a clean sweep of the tournament, following earlier wins over the United States and Canada. Heavy rain made conditions difficult, but New Zealand still showed sharp attacking play.
Laura Bayfield’s try was especially meaningful because this was the first Anzac Day Test between the two teams. Renee Holmes kicked five of her six conversion attempts. The Black Ferns and Wallaroos will meet again in Auckland on 22 August.
