2018 Black Ferns

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Another conversion from Cocksedge. Thought it went under the cross-bar, but apparently it was good. 14 - 3 NZ

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Another try to the Ferns. Eloise Blackwell. Cocksedge's boot is good again. 21 - 3 NZ

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The game is a bit one-sided. Not strange, as the Americans haven't played since the World Cup last year and have several debutants in the squad.

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It's a pity the BFs can't play these games with players like Woodman and Brazier. They're so much faster than some of the XVs players (some of which are getting a bit old and are losing speed).

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Great driving maul from the Ferns. Not surprising that Faaumasili scores the try.

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First miss from Cocksedge. 26 - 3 NZ

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Half time: USA 6, NZL 26

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Ferns:

72 % territory
49 % possession
over 5 minutes in opposition 22 (USA only just over 1 minute)

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Easy try from Wickliffe. USA reacting too slow after the Ferns win a penalty, resulting in an overlap.

Difficult kick for Cocksedge, who misses the conversion.

31 - 6 NZ

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Great break from Aroha Savage; pity the pass from McMennamin was poor, otherwise Winiata's speed would probably have resulted in another try scoring opportunity.

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Try Winiata! Not a fan of Demant at 10 - they'r missing Subritzky-Nafatali - but that was very good.

Another difficult kick for Cocksedge but she nails it.

38 - 6 NZ

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Another try for Wickliffe. I think fatigue is going to be an issue for the Americans. A very inexperienced team, not having played much rugby (some come from 7s, some from college rugby), while the Ferns have played NPC.

43 - 6 NZ

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Try Cocksedge, but that was just the finish after a great scrum.

Kendra converts her own try: 50 - 6 NZ

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Brilliant try from Stacey Waaka in the corner. She's the only member of the Black Ferns 7s team who's in the touring squad.

55 - 6 NZ

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It's just amazing. Our 37 year old captain/hooker, playing well over 70 minutes, possibly going until the final whistle.

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Another try for Blackwell. The floodgates are well and truly open.

First try under the sticks; Demant converts (Cocksedge has been subbed off).

62 - 6 NZ

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One of the NZ forwards looks injured close to the touch line.

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Ha, Faamausil has moved to the flanks. Reserve hooker is on.

The new 19-year-old winger has scored her first try on debut.

Full time:

USA 6 - 67 Black Ferns

Great win, but inexperienced opponent. The real tests will be played in France, starting next week.

Bovidae

I wish Moore had used this game to give more game time to the reserve halfback and hooker once the score blew out. He won't have that luxury against France.

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Black Ferns team for the first test against France (number of caps in brackets; * indicates debut):

1 Phillipa Love (5)
2 Fiao'o Faamausili (55, captain)
3 Aldora Itunu (18)
4 Eloise Blackwell (35)
5 Charmaine Smith (19)
6 Charmaine McMenamin (17)
7 Les Elder (12)
8 Aroha Savage (31)
9 Kendra Cocksedge (45, vc)
10 Krysten Cottrell (3)
11 Ayesha Leti-I'iga (1)
12 Ruahei Demant (3)
13 Stacey Waaka (14)
14 Renee Wickliffe (33)
15 Selica Winiata (34, vc)

Reserves:
16 Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate (23)
17 Leilani Perese (3)
18 Aleisha-Pearl Nelson (27)
19 Jackie Patea-Fereti (15)
20 Linda Itunu (38)
21 Marcelle Parkes*
22 Kristina Sue (38)
23 Monica Tagoai (1)

Sat. 9.00am - LIVE on Sky Sport 2

Moore has named one debutant – flanker Marcelle Parkes from Wellington - in the lineup, while Hawke’s Bay’s Krysten Cottrell will start at first five, with Ruahei Demant moving to second five.

The combination of Demant and Cottrell was tested during last weekend’s Test match against USA, and Moore was pleased with what he saw. 

“Ruahei and Krysten bring their own skillsets which combine well in their positions. Together, and working with Kendra, they will bring new aspects to our game which will be important against the French – particularly when it comes to our kicking options,” he said.  

The Black Ferns reserves will be made up of six forwards and two backs, a proven combination from last year's Women’s Rugby World Cup.

http://www.allblacks.com/News/33409/black-ferns-team-named-to-play-france

The Silver Fern

2018 Black Ferns