Black Ferns 40
Ireland 0
If the Black Ferns were to ever make a statement in pool play at the World Cup, it was going to be at the expense of the Irish.
In three previous meetings, the Green Wave had the number of their Kiwi counterparts with two
Black Ferns v Ireland: Allan Bunting’s side top Women’s Rugby World Cup pool with 40-point win
Subscribe to listen
Access to Herald Premium articles require a Premium subscription. Subscribe now to listen.
Already a subscriber?
Listening to articles is free for open-access content—explore other articles or learn more about text-to-speech.
The Black Ferns beat Ireland to finish at the top of their pool. Photo / AFP
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
The Black Ferns’ attack has long been their calling card, moving the ball freely and creating opportunities, but it was their defence against Ireland that truly set the tone.
Because Ireland asked plenty of questions of their Kiwi rivals, particularly through the first seven or eight minutes where the world No 5 had the bulk of possession, exclusively in the Black Ferns’ half of the field, and for long periods in the second half.
But after withstanding that early pressure, bringing great line speed and accuracy with their tackline, the New Zealand side returned serve.
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt hurled herself into the Irish defence like a wrecking ball – the midfielder seeming to make a dent in the line with every carry in a player of the match performance - while No 8 Liana Mikaele-Tu’u continued her impressive form after being reinstated into the starting lineup with a busy outing.
After an opening two fixtures in which director of performance Allan Bunting heavily rotated his squad at halftime, this was a game plan – and a performance – more akin to what you’d expect to see from the side in the big games. Importantly, the Black Ferns’ kicking game – an area Bunting and his staff have been trying to build on since taking the reins in early 2023 – was well executed against Ireland, while Renee Holmes’ goal kicking was again on point.
The game wasn’t without areas to address. Handling errors and inaccuracy at the breakdown cost them at times, and their scrum was put under pressure, while starting props Tanya Kalounivale and Chryss Viliko both left the field under injury clouds.
But overall, this was the most compelling Black Ferns performance of the tournament so far, stepping up against a good Irish side who, although still missing star flanker Aoife Wafer as she works back from injury, threw plenty at them.
It took 16 minutes before any movement on the scoreboard in a physical contest. Quick ruck ball and delivery from halfback Risaleaana Pouri-Lane allowed the Black Ferns to get a roll on, which saw them open some gaps in the Irish defence.
After a half break through Mikaele-Tu’u, Holmes put Sorensen-McGee into space, before she sent Stacey Waaka over for the first try. The score was met with boos by the local crowd, with questions over the last pass in the move.
But the try stood, and they extended their lead about five minutes later when Viliko crashed over from close range.
Before halftime, Waaka turned provider for Sorensen-McGee, who beat two defenders after being set free out wide to give the Black Ferns a 19-0 halftime lead.
Ireland continued to test the Black Ferns in the second half, stringing phases together and enjoying plenty of time in opposition territory.
However, a second try to Sorensen-McGee extended the lead with 20 minutes to play, before two lengthy goal-line stands saw the Black Ferns keep Ireland scoreless.
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
For good measure, Sorensen-McGee bagged a second hat-trick in as many games with a third try in the dying stages, before the side went the length of the field off the restart for halfback Maia Joseph to have the final say.
Black Ferns 40 (Braxton Sorensen-McGee 3, Stacey Waaka, Chryss Viliko, Maia Joseph tries; Renee Holmes 5 cons)
Ireland 0
HT: 19-0