The All Black Ferns have won their opening match of the Women's Rugby World Cup over Australia 41-17 in Auckland on Saturday night.
The Black Ferns got off to a slow start, dropping the ball from the opening kick-off, and conceding early penalties. They trailed 17-0 after 28 minutes after two tries to wing Bienne Terita and a further to Ivania Wong, but by half time had pulled it back to 17-12 after tries to lock Joanah Ngan-Woo and Portia Woodman.
The second half saw the Black Ferns level the match with Woodman's second try in the 47th minutes, but then Australia suffered a double blow. Winger Ivania Wong was yellow carded for a deliberate knock on, and captain Shannon Parry also off soon after a shoulder to head contact in a tackle. Black Ferns replacement prop Awhina Tangen-Wainohulock then scored with Woodman following with her hat-trick and Ruby Tui also getting a double.
New Zealand Black Ferns: 41
Tries: Portia Woodman 3, Ruby Tui 2, Joanah Ngan-Woo, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Conversions: Renee Holmes 2, Kendra Cocksedge
Australia Wallaroos: 17
Tries: Bienne Terita 2, Ivania Wong, Conversion: Arabella McKenzie
