The Black Ferns and Canada’s women’s rugby teams played to an exciting 27–27 draw in a test match at Apollo Projects Stadium on Saturday afternoon. After 80 minutes of fierce back-and-forth action, neither side could come out on top.
The match ended in dramatic fashion. With time already up and Canada leading by five points, the Black Ferns pushed through 20 intense phases. Sylvia Brunt finally scored in the corner, giving New Zealand a chance to win. But Ruahei Demant’s sideline conversion attempt just missed, leaving the score tied.
The game started fast, with fullback Braxton Sorensen-McGee scoring early for the Ferns. Canada answered quickly through DaLeaka Menin, tying the game 7–7. Ayesha Leti-I’iga and Asia Hogan-Rochester traded tries before halftime, leaving the score at 12–12.
In the second half, Sorensen-McGee and Leti-I’iga helped New Zealand pull ahead 19–12. But Canada kept fighting, with smart plays and strong running bringing them back into the game. Alysha Corrigan gave Canada the lead for the first time, but Demant’s penalty tied the score again.
Late in the match, Shoshanah Seumanutafa scored what looked like the winning try for Canada. Still, the Black Ferns weren’t done. They pushed hard, and Brunt scored once more, but the final kick couldn’t seal the win.
