The Black Ferns have done the business, and in some style too.
They defeated USA 47-14, scoring eight tries to two, to clinch the inaugural Women's Super Series in Edmonton. In doing so, they beat three of the top sides in the world in the space of nine days andoff very limited preparation, so one must tip one's hat to them.
Their second half against the USA was dynamic, pouring on the pressure after leading 15-14 at the break. Right wing Honey Hireme was almost unstoppable with her hat-trick, upping her tally to five for the tournament, but she saved the best for her final flourish, a brilliant 80m solo effort which showed off her pace - fast - and her swerve.
The Waikato flyer was rightly awarded the player of the match, but in truth the Black Ferns were strong across the board, especially at 10-12-13, where pivot Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali capped a strong tournament with a well-taken try, the first of the game, and Chelsea Alley added thrust to the midfield.
Centre Stacey Waaka had her best outing of the series, in the position where Huriana Manuel has often cut capers for this team. Waaka set up Hireme's second try with a lovely piece of deception and slick pass, while she then scored off a pinpoint crosskick by Subritzky-Nafatali. Left wing Renee Wickliffe, who also scored a try, was dangerous all afternoon. Her try came from a simple 'miss two' move with slick hands. Fullback Selica Winiata gave the last pass.
In the pack, there were some yeoman displays, but the locks, Charmaine Smith, who scored her first test try from a lineout drive, and Eloise Blackwell, were top value.
There was time for Emma Jensen to come off the bench for her 49th cap at halfback, drawing level with the great Anna Richards for the most Black Ferns caps, and for fellow sub Janna Vaughan to bolt for a try between the uprights.
USA were very competitive in the first spell, scoring two nice tries, but they were over-run in the second and could not live with the Black Ferns' pace and continuity game. Their errors compounded and they paid a heavy price.
