Black Ferns Player Ratings vs Canada – Disaster for New Zealand

A cagey first five minutes set the tone before Canada found momentum. Scrum-half Justine Pelletier exploited space to put the first points on the board.

Just two minutes later, Asia Hogan-Rochester crossed the try line, extending Canada’s lead. Momentum continued as Florence Symonds bagged a try 23 minutes in.

After 20 minutes of mainly defending, the Black Ferns finally put points on the board. Tanya Kalounivale steam-rolled over the try line in the 25th minute.

However, Canada responded immediately, with Sophie de Goede finishing the half strongly by storming over the try line.

Canada started the second half as they ended the first, with Alex Tessier scoring just two minutes in.

The Black Ferns attempted a comeback, with Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and Braxton Sorenson-McGee closing the gap. But with a penalty kick from Sophie de Goede extending Canada’s lead by three points, New Zealand had 15 points to make up with seven minutes remaining. Unfortunately for the reigning champions, time ran out, and they now relinquish their title.

Final Score: New Zealand 19 – 34 Canada

Tries: Kalounivale (25’), Mikaele-Tu’u (55’), Sorenson-McGee (64’)
Conversions: Holmes (26’), Sorenson-McGee (56’)
Penalties: –
Yellow Cards: –
Red Cards: –

Starting XV:
1 Chryss Viliko, 2 Georgia Ponsonby, 3 Tanya Kalounivale, 4 Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 5 Alana Bremner, 6 Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, 7 Kennedy Tukuafu, 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker, 9 Risi Pouri-Lane, 10 Ruahei Demant, 11 Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, 12 Sylvia Brunt, 13 Stacey Waaka, 14 Braxton Sorenson-McGee, 15 Renee Holmes

Replacements:
16 Atlanta Lolohea, 17 Kate Henwood, 18 Amy Rule, 19 Chelsea Bremner, 20 Layla Sae, 21 Maia Joseph, 22 Theresa Stefano, 23 Ayesha Leti-Iiga

Tries: Pelletier (7’), Hogan-Rochester (10’), Symonds (23’), de Goede (34’), Tessier (42’)
Conversions: de Goede (7’, 35’, 43’)
Penalties: de Goede (73’)
Yellow Cards: –
Red Cards: –

Starting XV:
1 McKinley Hunt, 2 Emily Tuttosi, 3 DaLeaka Menin, 4 Sophie de Goede, 5 Courtney O’Donnell, 6 Caroline Crossley, 7 Karen Paquin, 8 Fabiola Forteza, 9 Justine Pelletier, 10 Taylor Perry, 11 Asia Hogan-Rochester, 12 Alex Tessier, 13 Florence Symonds, 14 Alysha Corrigan, 15 Julia Schell

Replacements:
16 Gillian Boag, 17 Brittany Kassil, 18 Olivia DeMerchant, 19 Tyson Beukeboom, 20 Laetitia Royer, 21 Gabrielle Senft, 22 Olivia Apps, 23 Shoshanah Seumanutafa

1 Chryss Viliko (off 66’) – 5
A decent performance by the prop, making solid tackles and carries.

2 Georgia Ponsonby (off 66’) – 6
Solid game from the hooker, with strong carries and tackles throughout.

3 Tanya Kalounivale (off 44’) – 7
Although the result went against New Zealand, her try was vital in keeping the Black Ferns in the game.

4 Maiakawanakaulani Roos – 5
Not a standout, but made some good tackles and carries throughout.

5 Alana Bremner (off 62’) – 5
A quiet game overall for the lock, though some decent tackles and carries.

6 Liana Mikaele-Tu’u – 7
Despite the scoreline, a great game; her try marked a key turning point in New Zealand’s comeback.

7 Kennedy Tukuafu (off 56’) – 5
Solid game, contributing good tackles and carries during her time on the pitch.

8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker – 7
Made key interceptions and runs, connecting well between forwards and backs.

9 Risi Pouri-Lane (off 62’) – 6
Consistent with tackles, carries, and runs throughout her time on the field.

10 Ruahei Demant – 5
An overall quiet game from the fly-half.

11 Portia Woodman-Wickliffe – 6
A solid game from one of women’s rugby’s icons, with strong tackles and carries.

12 Sylvia Brunt – 6
Delivered some big tackles and solid carries.

13 Stacey Waaka – 7
A strong performance, creating great attacking opportunities.

14 Braxton Sorenson-McGee – 7
Key player in New Zealand’s attempted comeback, despite the loss.

15 Renee Holmes (off 50’) – 5
Disappointing performance from the fullback, making some costly mistakes at critical moments.