Black Ferns v USA: Portia Woodman-Wickliffe scores seven tries as Black Ferns claim Pacific Four title

That left the Black Ferns needing to win by 25 factors to take again the title after Canada claimed it in 2024.

First-half hat-tricks to wingers Katelyn Vahaakolo and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe put the Black Ferns nicely on their solution to assembly that requirement. Woodman-Wickliffe would go on to attain seven to develop into the Black Ferns’ all-time main try-scorer with 45 to her identify.

After making eight adjustments to the beginning facet earlier than the sport, together with three gamers on debut within the run-on facet, there may have been some cohesion points early.

The US staff have been capable of put the strain on early by way of a robust lineout drive and affected person work within the forwards to open the scoring by way of blindside flanker Freda Tafuna. However when the Black Ferns did get possession, they seemed as assured a facet as they’ve at any level within the season thus far.

The injection of the gamers from the sevens collection had an affect on the tempo of the assault, however it was the accuracy within the offloading of the Black Ferns that allowed them to search out their movement.

It seemed promising any time they have been capable of get the US on the again foot, and it paid off with six first-half tries – three to every winger.

Nearer in, reigning sevens participant of the yr Jorja Miller and halfback Risaleaana Pouri-Lane impressed of their take a look at debuts; Miller particularly exhibiting her energy, elusiveness and decision-making with ball in hand at openside flanker. Lock Alana Bremner was once more a workhorse in open play, whereas first-five Ruahei Demant and No 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker additionally had robust outings, and the scrum was dominant for a lot of the competition.

There have been nonetheless a few points to tidy up, however this was essentially the most full Black Ferns efficiency of the collection.

Whereas the People have been capable of problem the Black Ferns at occasions – significantly with their work from attacking lineouts and pick-and-go play from shut vary to attain by way of Tafuna and prop Hope Rogers – as soon as the hosts acquired going, there was little the guests may do to gradual them down.

The house facet held a 20-point lead at halftime, which was quickly prolonged when Woodman-Wickliffe added her fourth attempt. That was adopted by a attempt to Demant, then a fifth to Woodman-Wickliffe and a fourth to Vahaakolo.

Woodman-Wickliffe continued to be among the many factors when she added a sixth, whereas Stacey Waaka additionally added some factors late. Woodman-Wickliffe had the ultimate say, scoring her seventh within the nook.

The facet have yet one more take a look at scheduled, towards Australia in July, earlier than the World Cup in England in late August and an outing like their win over the US confirmed they have been trending in the suitable path main into that match.

Black Ferns 79 (Portia Woodman-Wickliffe 7, Katelyn Vahaakolo 4, Ruahei Demant, Stacey Waaka tries; Demant 4 cons, Hannah King 3 cons)

USA 14 (Freda Tafuna, Hope Rogers tries; McKenzie Hawkins 2 cons)

HT: 34-14