2017 Black Ferns (including World Cup)

[Stargazer]

Black Ferns did what they had to do, putting lots of points on the board. This is what happened during this round:

[JK]

Watch a bit of the game as had some money on (Black Ferns win by 101+, Woodman 6+ tries) and we scored after 53 seconds. 35nil after 20mins. Not a lot of Hongkong-nese tackling going on!

[Mokey]

Wow. Really surprised by that Aussie-France scoreline. The Aussies only just lost to a very good Irish side. Then they get monstered!

[Crucial]

Ferns have set themselves up in a prime position to top the seeding as long as they beat Canada.
Unless there are upsets or score blowouts, with one round to go it is looking like the picks for the semis are NZ v USA and France v England

[Stargazer]

@Crucial It would be great if they can avoid England until the final. France is also looking strong this year. Haven't seen the USA play, yet, this year.

[Crash]

Bloody Sky UK isn't showing any of the Black Ferns matches at all - hopefully they might show the semis.

[Stargazer]

@Crash Yeah ITV is apparently only broadcasting England, Wales & Ireland games. The webpage below suggest that you should be able to watch all other games on the WR website:

Home | Women's Rugby World Cup 2025

The official home of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 in England, with all the latest news, highlight videos, standings, fixtures, results, games, ticketing and event information

[Crucial]

The stream on the WR website is very good. Easy access (no silly sign up). They show all games that ITV aren't showing.

[Stargazer]

Black Ferns squad to play Canada (number of caps in brackets):

1 Toka Natua (13)
2 Fiao'o Faamausili - captain (49)
3 Aldora Itunu (12)
4 Eloise Blackwell (29)
5 Charmaine Smith (13)
6 Charmaine McMenamin (11)
7 Sarah Goss (7)
8 Aroha Savage (25)
9 Kendra Cocksedge (39)
10 Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali (16)
11 Renee Wickliffe (27)
12 Kelly Brazier (34)
13 Stacey Waaka (8)
14 Portia Woodman (13)
15 Selica Winiata (28)

16 Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate (17)
17 Sosoli Talawadua (5)
18 Aotearoa Mata'u (7)
19 Rebecca Wood (4)
20 Linda Itunu (33)
21 Kristina Sue (8)
22 Theresa Fitzpatrick (4)
23 Carla Hohepa (16)

Thu 17 August, kick-off 11:00pm - Live on Sky Sport 1 from 10:50pm (replays Friday, 9:30am (SS1) and 8:00pm (RCh))

Among the squad are Faamausili set to reach a record 50 caps, Kendra Cocksedge set to reach 40 caps and Eloise Blackwell 30 caps.

A first for the Black Ferns:

Police Detective Fiao’o Faamausili was first selected for the Black Ferns in 2002 and has been named consistently (aside from 2004 when she was living in Australia) since. 

Regarded as the one of the most formidable hookers in women’s world rugby, she is playing in her fifth Women’s Rugby World Cup tournament. She has captained the Black Ferns since 2012.

New Zealand Rugby Chair Brent Impey has congratulated Faamausili on achieving the 50-Test milestone.

“Fiao’o has made an enormous contribution not only to the Black Ferns but also to the wider rugby community. She has played almost 100 matches for her beloved Auckland Storm and by nature is a fantastic role model for young players in her community.”

http://www.allblacks.com/News/31225/black-ferns-team-to-play-canada-named

[Stargazer]

The Canadians have come to play! Quite an aggressive start from the women in red, but good defence from the Ferns. First attack from the Black Ferns and BOOM, try to Winiata. Ferns lead 5-0

[Stargazer]

Haha, a prop who steps and runs so fast that her team mates cannot reach her in time ...

[Stargazer]

Aldora Itunu scores her second try for the Black Ferns. Converted. Black Ferns lead 19-0 after 24 minutes.

[Kruse]

@Stargazer said in 2017 Black Ferns (including World Cup):

Aldora Itunu scores her second try for the Black Ferns. Converted. Black Ferns lead 19-0 after 24 minutes.

2 tries, and now off.

[Stargazer]

@Kruse Yes, I was kind of waiting for that to happen. Black Ferns giving away too many penalties. Several high tackles already, although accidental.

[Stargazer]

Great try, and that with 14 players.

[Stargazer]

In case anyone is wondering, the try scorer - Stacey Waaka - is the sister of All Blacks 7s player Beaudein Waaka (not sure where he's playing NPC).

[Stargazer]

Kelly Brazier goes over for a try.
Half time: Canada 0 - 29 New Zealand

Things are looking good, but the Black Ferns have to stay focused because Canada is the kind of team that is able to make a come back from this.

[Bovidae]

@Stargazer said in 2017 Black Ferns (including World Cup):

In case anyone is wondering, the try scorer - Stacey Waaka - is the sister of All Blacks 7s player Beaudein Waaka (not sure where he's playing NPC).

Taranaki.

No way was that 2nd try grounded and the TMO (who sounded like a KIwi) was trying to tell the ref that but something got lost in translation. It won't matter anyway. I was watching without commentary so don't know what was said by Lose and co.

I'm not going to watch the 2nd half live but I was interested to see how the Black Ferns looked against decent opposition. Some nice skills on display with both locks playing well. 1st 5 Subritzky-Nafatali might be built like a prop but she can move.

[Stargazer]

@Bovidae I also had my doubts about the grounding. Good to see the Black Ferns play well against a good opponent. They need to, because it's going to be a lot more difficult in the finals.

[Stargazer]

Yessss, the captain scores in her 50th test!