Black Ferns 2024

[Auckman]

@Bovidae jesus h christ I'm getting my Bremners mixed up haha Yeah Alana is the one at Matatu of course. Yeah she's good for the lineouts but a bit weak in contact and around the field. Funnily enough, Roos was playing at 6 for the Aupiki season. Certainly something to think about trying for the BFs. Certainly room for Chelsea Bremner in that kind of set-up.

[Bovidae]

Canada beat the USA 50-7 last weekend in the first WR Pacific Four Series game, so it looks like the USA will be the weakest team.

The USA will play a Chiefs Manawa Development XV before the Chiefs-Force game. It will be a mix of gameplay and scenarios over two halves.

[Bovidae]

Unavailable: Renee Holmes.

Three debutants named in Black Ferns team to tackle USA

The Black Ferns coaching group have named their match-day squad of 23.

KEY FACTS

• This will be the 15th Test between the Black Ferns and USA.
• The Black Ferns last played USA was in Ottawa, Canada in 2023, the Black Ferns won 39 – 17.
• Maama Mo'onia Vaipulu will become a dual international (Rugby and Volleyball) when she takes the field.
• Maia Joseph will become a dual international (Rugby and Touch Rugby), when she takes the field.
• Charmaine Smith is in-line to play her 30th Test for the Black Ferns.
• Amy Rule is in-line to play her 20th Test for the Black Ferns.

[Auckman]

Strong team for the first hit out but clearly two experiments going on here with Vaipulu at lock and Joseph at halfback. Three experiments if you count King coming off the bench at first-five.

Goalkicking won't be an issue in this match as they're expected to march through the US (although they struggled last year for the first half) but no recognised goalkicker is a big concern for me with the WXV1 and the big test at Twickenham later this year. They already struggle in this department with Renee Holmes. Without Holmes, Demant appears to be the next in line among the starters. Maliepo on the bench has kicked in the past but hasn't all year for the Blues because Cottrell was the kicker and highest pointscorer in Aupiki. Did Cottrell get picked? Nope. Maybe Hannah King can kick when she gets on. Actually, I'd have King kick ahead of Maliepo and Demant.

[Bovidae]

@Auckman This would be the first BF team in a while without a Bremner.

I am surprised that Mikaele Tu'u and Sae aren't playing in each others positions.

[Machpants]

Hot start for the ferns, double points than minutes 12-0

Is that what the ABs jerseys will look like? Pretty crap

Oops another try as I write, 19-0 8 mins

[Machpants]

Paul a hat trick in sixteen minutes

[Machpants]

Ferns got sloppy second quarter, USA find a bit of composure. Ref allowing absolute free for all at the ruck, which helps USA.

36-0 half time

[Bovidae]

I've been impressed with Joseph. A good pass and she has some kicking ability (from playing 1st 5 too).

[Machpants]

Man ferns defensive line has turned to crap

[antipodean]

USA fumble the ball 30cm from the line.

[Machpants]

All USA second half, ferns looking unorganized

[Machpants]

Pretty much every ruck, defending players hands straight to deck, ref had ignored them all

[Machpants]

Nice try there, gift to ruby by Paul

[Machpants]

Grinding try by USA. Our lineout is shit, I think it would be a yellow if no try, hair a dozen penalties in a row

[antipodean]

Wow, that's some tired and woeful tackling there. Layla Sae running over/ through three Americans from 40m out to score.

[Machpants]

And again, they're run out of steam

[Machpants]

Jesus, straight onto her hands, gets the penalty

[Machpants]

57-5, good first quarter, the rest pretty average, and a few tries at the end where the USA ran out of steam

[Bovidae]

A similar scoreline to Canada over the USA so much tougher opponents to come.

I liked the loose forward combo including the injection of Olsen-Baker from the bench. A good debut from Vaipulu and King.