Black Ferns sweep Pacific Four

May 3, 2026

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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.

Article written by Milli Banbury

This article was written using AI as an assistive tool for research and writing.

Learning Options

Recall Questions

Thinking questions

Digital Thinking

Learning Options

Recall Questions

Thinking questions

Digital Thinking

The community garden had been neglected for months, but the neighbours decided to restore it together. They removed weeds, repaired broken fence panels, and planted seedlings in raised beds. One student said the project felt worthwhile because the garden would provide fresh vegetables for the local food bank. Another volunteer noticed that the old strawberry patch looked barren at first, yet after the soil was improved, new plants began to thrive. By the end of the weekend, the garden was not perfect, but it was healthy, productive, and full of energy again.

In the passage, what does the word "barren" mean?

Freshly watered each day Not producing plants or crops Covered in thick grass Broken apart and rough

Did You Know?

How many tries did Ayesha Leti-I'iga score in the match?

Ayesha Leti-I'iga scored two tries for the Black Ferns!

Find out more: Black Ferns sweep Pacific Four

Vocabulary

Click on the words in the article. See if you can find them all.

tries Points scored by a player in rugby by touching the ball down in the opponent's goal area. A player scores a try when they cross the goal line with the ball.

unbeaten Not having lost a game. The Black Ferns are unbeaten after 30 matches against Australia.

conversion A kick at goal after a try, worth two extra points. Renee Holmes made five conversions after scoring tries.