The last time the Black Ferns had beaten Canada before today’s stunning 36-14 victory over the 2025 Rugby World Cup runners-up in Kansas was in 2023 when they powered to a 52-21 thumping in Ottawa, marking their 100th Test victory.
Their 117th Test victory was arguably better than that historic footnote, whitewashing a recent nemesis 31-0 in the second half to flip a 14-5 deficit at the interval.
When Canada’s lineout rumbled forward and earned a penalty try a minute before halftime, the Black Ferns appeared to be in deep trouble, behind by more than a converted try and missing hooker Georgia Ponsonby who was yellow carded.
Shortly after the break, Canada’s openside flanker Julia Omokhuale (19 tackles) went within a whisker of scoring following a rampaging burst down the right wing. Earlier, she had charged down a Maia Joseph clearance that led to a ninth try in ten Tests for winger Asia Hogan-Rochester.
Somehow, the Black Ferns resisted with a lion-hearted defensive display. Co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu played possibly her best Test with 10 tackles, three turnovers, and the Black Ferns' first try after 26 minutes to make it 7-5 with her earlier break unconverted. Prop Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu cast anchor over the ruck twice in her 11-tackle display. Lock Maiakawanakaulani Roos was the most productive with 14 tackles, four lineout catches, and two turnovers.
In the 53rd minute, assured lineout work from Roos and a swift exchange between backs and forwards saw Mererangi Paul close the deficit to 14-10 with her 18th try in 16 Tests.
Co-captain Ruahei Demant won two ruck turnovers and turned Canada around with cunning kicks. In the 61st minute, the Black Ferns took the lead when powerhouse No.8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker powered over beside posts, sideways in the grasp of three. Olsen-Baker had 11 tackles and 208 carry meters in a display to rival her stoic Rugby World Cup semi-final display against Canada.
The straw that broke Canada’s back came in the 64th minute when Tara Turner, on since the 26th minute, sniped into a hole and got the ball back to replacement lock Maama Mo'onia Vaipulu, who roared into a yawning hole. Canada hesitated, protesting a knock-on. Vaipulu charged a further 20 meters, her fend on Claire Gallagher sending the fullback sprawling several meters.
Down 24-14, Canada lost their cool. Two panic passes were intercepted by centre Amy du Plessis and Olsen-Baker.
Aimee Barrett-Theron from South Africa officiated her 49th Test. Kick-off was delayed three hours due to a storm. If the Black Ferns beat Australia next Saturday they will retain the Pacific Four title and claim honours in that series for the third time since 2022.
