Black Ferns stun Canada with brilliant 2nd half performance
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.
Match Score Sheet
Black Ferns 36: (Kennedy Tukuafu, Kaipo Olsen-Baker 2, Mererangi Paul, Maama Mo'onia Vaipulu, Amy du Plessis tries; Renee Holmes 3 conversions) Canada 14: (Asia Hogan-Rochester tries; Claire Gallagher conversion).
