While a share of the points is not ideal for Allan Bunting’s side, the final stages showed that although their early play again lacked accuracy and execution at times, when the game is on the line, they can roll their sleeves up and manufacture what they need to with some smart decision-making.
“I’m really proud. The grit that they showed there and the patience ... in those moments to be able to hold on to the ball and get that last try, [I’m] really proud of that,” Bunting told Sky Sport.
Canada outscored the Black Ferns five tries to four, but a couple more successful kicks from New Zealand co-captain Ruahei Demant meant the scores were level when the final whistle blew; Demant missed a conversion to win it.
It was a step forward for the Black Ferns from their first outing of the season against Australia last week and they will look to build week by week as they progress towards the World Cup later in the year.
The attack looked dangerous; Brunt and midfield partner Amy du Plessis were heavily involved while winger Ayesha Leti-I’iga and fullback Braxton Sorensen-McGee showed their abilities to test defences and get across the line. Up front, locks Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Alana Bremner got through plenty of work, though there remained some issues around the team’s lineout.
The Black Ferns were playing with freedom and, when the passes stuck, it looked slick, but there were several times when the ball fell between players to give Canada a chance to take over possession or at least drive their hosts back.
As expected, the Canadians brought a physical test, particularly at the breakdown where they looked to get over the ball and challenge. They did so with success, taking advantage when the Black Ferns were a touch slow to the contest.
They also brought good line speed defensively and pressured the Black Ferns. While the hosts were able to move the ball to create space and opportunities, there were a few chances that were stamped out by handling errors or wayward play.
“There were quite a few opportunities out there that we’re not quite finishing off, but plenty to build on,” Bunting said.
It was fitting that Brunt was the one to score the equalising try. She played an immense hand in things for the Black Ferns, including a couple of try assists and some strong carries.
Strength in the carry certainly wasn’t an issue for the hosts, with some highlight reel moments from Brunt and Kennedy Tukuafu among them.
It was Sorensen-McGee who opened the scoring five minutes in, though Canada equalised through prop DaLeaka Menin soon after.
That was how things went for most of the game. Leti-I’Iga scored, Canada equalised through winger Asia Hogan-Rochester. The Black Ferns wing scored again, the Canadians scored through halfback Olivia Apps.
That try triggered a run of three-straight for the visitors, as Alysha Corrigan and Shoshana Seumanutafa scored out wide, however, missed kicks kept the Black Ferns close.
In the end, the hosts stepped things up when it was needed most, setting up a big final weekend of the tournament now with the teams locked on points.
Black Ferns 27 (Ayesha Leti-I’iga 2, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Sylvia Brunt tries; Ruahei Demant 2 cons, pen)
Canada 27 (DaLeaka Menin, Asia Hogan-Rochester, Olivia Apps, Alysha Corrigan, Shoshana Seumanutafa tries; Julia Schnell con)
HT: 12-12
