Women’s Rugby Shines as Black Ferns Dominate in Pacific Four Series

The Black Ferns, New Zealand’s women’s rugby union team, opened their Pacific Four Series title defense with a commanding 57-5 victory over the USA Women’s Eagles. Co-captain Kennedy Simon praised the squad’s performance culture, highlighting the impressive debuts of three new caps – Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Maia Joseph, and Hannah King.

Vaipulu, a former volleyball player, scored the team’s sixth try, while Joseph’s precise cross-field kick set up a quick hat-trick for player of the match Mererangi Paul. King, who was mentored by retired Black Ferns player Kendra Cocksedge, also added two late conversions in her first international outing.

“I was really pleased and really happy for our ladies. For their first game, they really stood up and started to do some of the things that we want to do,” said Black Ferns director of rugby Alan Bunting. “I love seeing these ladies using their gifts out on field, that’s the whole reason why I coach.”

The Black Ferns now turn their attention to a match against Canada next Sunday in Christchurch, which Bunting expects will present a strong challenge as his side continues their preparations for the upcoming Rugby World Cup in New Zealand later this year.

🔗 Source