Two tests into their new era, the Black Ferns have answered a lot of questions.
A week ago, the side ran away from the United States in Sacramento. It was a result that was in line with historic matches between the two nations, butone that gave plenty of indications as to how the Black Ferns are set up for the new season.
It was Saturday morning’s test against Canada in Kansas City that most outside of the team environment would have highlighted on their calendar as the telling test for Whitney Hansen’s squad.
To the tune of a 36-14 win, the Black Ferns made a statement – after a three-hour delay due to severe weather.
This wasn’t a test where everything went the way of the defending Pacific Four Series champions, but they showed composure when chasing the game and finished the stronger of the two sides.
The win ended their streak of three tests without a win over Canada, who knocked the Black Ferns out in the World Cup semi-finals last year and beat them in 2024 to win the Pacific Four Series. The sides drew when they met in the 2025 series.
Black Ferns lock Maiakawanakaulani Roos was a strong performer in the side's win over Canada. Photo / Photosport
As was the case against the United States, the forwards put in a big shift on both sides. Loose forwards Kennedy Tukuafu and Kaipo Olsen-Baker were particularly influential in the match, securing turnovers at the breakdown, taking strong carries, and scoring tries.
The Black Ferns, for the most part, played a patient game. They earned the right to spread the ball through the hands, though early on that option proved costly.
The New Zealand side should probably have found themselves in front after some early dominance, but a long pass towards the right wing was telegraphed and missed the mark, before the final pass to left wing Ayesha Leti-I’iga came off her fingertips and rolled out.
Instead, it was Canada who scored first; right wing Asia Hogan-Rochester crossing after an attempted clearance from halfback Maia Joseph was charged down inside the Black Ferns’ 22m. Joseph hobbled off the pitch soon afterwards.
The Black Ferns hit back less than 10 minutes later. Taking advantage of a yellow card to Canada prop Brittany Kassil for cynical play at the ruck, the New Zealand side stripped the Canadians for numbers and Tukuafu scored out wide.
But the Canadians led 14-5 at the break after the referee deemed hooker Georgia Ponsonby had collapsed a rolling maul at the try line on the stroke of halftime. Ponsonby was also sent to the sin bin.
Despite being a player down to begin the half, the Black Ferns came out of the break as the stronger team again.
With the wind at their backs in the second half, the New Zealand side overpowered the Canadians and began to exploit the opportunities that were appearing courtesy of their high tempo.
Scoring five second-half tries to zero, the Black Ferns closed out an emphatic win to move to the top of the series standings.
