The New Zealand Black Ferns have dominated the United States in their Pacific Four Series opener with a stunning 57-5 victory.
The match took place in Hamilton, where the Black Ferns showcased their world-class abilities by scoring nine tries to the Eagles’ single try.
From the start, the Black Ferns were unstoppable, racing to a 36-0 lead by halftime after scoring six tries in the first 40 minutes. Mererangi Paul, playing at fullback for New Zealand, scored three of these tries within the first 15 minutes, marking an exceptional start to the game.
Ruahei Demant, co-captain of the New Zealand team, expressed her satisfaction with the team’s performance to SkySport, noting the speed of their outsides and the opportunities it created in the middle of the field. This strategy allowed players like Kaipo Olsen-Baker and Sylvia Brunt to make significant advances through the center.
Despite the overwhelming score, the United States showed resilience in the second half. Their captain, Rachel Johnson, acknowledged their set piece’s potential on both attack and defense, which became evident when Freda Tafuna scored for the Eagles after 64 minutes.
The game also marked a significant milestone for Black Ferns’ newcomers Maia Joseph and Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, who made impressive debuts. Additionally, Hannah King, coming off the bench in the second half, scored her first international points by converting three tries.
