Blacks Ferns Beaten By Canada

The Blacks Ferns have lost their Rugby World Cup semi-final to Canada 34-19 and will now face France in the third-fourth playoff match on Saturday 27th at 11.30pm NZT.

The Black Ferns had yet another slow start to the match, and Canada scored three tries in the opening twenty four minutes. It wasn't until the 30th minute that New Zealand scored a try to prop Tanya Kalounivale, and they went into half time 24-7 behind. Things were much better in the second half, but they were unable to pull back the first half deficit even with further tries to flanker Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and winger Braxton Sorensen-McGee.

Black Ferns: 19 

Tries: Tanya Kalounivale, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Conversions: Renee Holmes, Braxton Sorensen-McGee

Canada: 34 

Tries: Justine Pelletier, Asia Hogan-Rochester, Florence Symonds, Sophie de Goede, Alex Tessier, Conversions: de Goede 3, Penalty: de Goede

Black Ferns Through To Rugby World Cup Semi-Finals

The Black Ferns are into the Rugby World Cup Semi-Finals after a 46-17 win over South Africa. The Black Ferns were hit early in the first half by South Africa and were made to make a large number of first half tackles as South Africa had the majority of the ball in hand. After a 10-10 draw at halftime, the first fifteen minutes in the second half saw the Black Ferns score four tries to give themselves a good buffer.

The Black Ferns will face Canada in their semi-final at Ashton Gate in Bristol on Saturday 20th September, 6am NZT, while England will host France in Exeter on Sunday 21st September at 2.30am.

Black Ferns: 46 

Tries: Theresa Setefano, Braxton Sorensen-McGee 2, Renee Holmes 2, Kaipo Olsen-Baker 2, Katelyn Vaha'akolo, Conversions: Sorensen-McGee 2, Holmes

South Africa: 17 

Tries: Babalwa Latsha, Sizophila Solontsi, Lerato Makua, Conversion: Byrhandre Dolf

Blacks Ferns Win Second Rugby World Cup Match

The Black Ferns have secured a quarter-final berth in the Rugby World Cup with a  62-19 win against Japan in Exeter. The match featured the record braking 50th try for winger Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, whilst fullback Braxton Sorensen-McGee scored a hat trick of tries as well as four conversions. The Black Ferns final Pool C match will be against Ireland at Brighton and Hove Albion Stadium on Monday morning 1.45am NZT.

Black Ferns: 62

Tries: Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Jorja Miller 2, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Braxton Sorensen-McGee 3, Kennedy Tukuafu, Risi Pouri-Lane, Renee Holmes, Conversions: Braxton Sorensen-McGee 4, Holmes 2 

Japan: 19

Tries: Sakurako Hatada, Moe Tsukui, Penalty Try, Conversion: Ayasa Otsuka con

The All Blacks have lost their opening match at the Rugby World Cup to host France 29-13. The All Blacks had opened the scoring with a try inside the opening minutes to wing Mark Talea, but trailed 9-8 at halftime. The second half saw the All Blacks concede multiple penalties with a final count 12-4 , and had Will Jordan sin-binned for a challenge in the air. Captain Sam Cane was scratched before the game due to a back injury, and this saw Tupou Vaa’i came in at blindside flanker, Dalton Papalii switch to the openside, and Brodie Retallick come into the reserves.

Tasman flanker Ethan Blackadder has been called into the squad as injury cover, and has replaced winger Emoni Narawa who is returning home with a back injury

New Zealand: 13 

Tries: Mark Telea 2, Penalty: Richie Mo'unga pen). HT: 9-8

France: 29 

Tries: Damian Penaud, Melvyn Jaminet tries; Thomas Ramos con, 5 pen)