Black Ferns win Super Series

New Zealand made it three from three in the women's Super Series with a 47-14 win over USA last night to take the title and add the Americans to the English and Canadian scalps from earlier in the week.

Published by Alison Donnelly, July 6th, 2015

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Black Ferns win Super Series

Despite a close first half, the USA could not keep up with the pace of New Zealand and the rampant Black Ferns ran in seven tries on the day, claiming the  trophy as a result.

“We showed that we can play with the best after today, but we just couldn’t do it for 80 minutes,” said USA Head Coach Pete Steinberg. “We had numerous opportunities that we did not convert and they took every opportunity.”

An early try from Victoria Subritsky-Nafatali put NZ ahead byt the U.S. fought back immediately.

Methodically moving the ball down the field, the Eagles found themselves on the Black Ferns’ try line. Hope Rogers capped off the drive, scooting around the edge of a breakdown to score the U.S.’s first points. Kimber Rozier pushed the Eagles ahead, 7-5, by converting on the kick.

After back-and-forth possession at midfield, New Zealand was able to work around the Eagles defense with powerhouse Honey Hireme regaining the lead, dotting down for a try in the corner.

With the Eagles putting pressure on the Black Ferns, New Zealand was able to capitalise on a penalty to drastically change the tables. A break from Kendra Cocksedge set up another penalty for the Black Ferns.

Taking touch instead of points, New Zealand was able to maul over the ensuing lineout to further its lead, 15-7.

Moments later, the U.S. was able to come right back into the match. Turning over New Zealand within its own half, they quickly moved the ball to Kelsi Stockert, who outran Black Fern defenders for the try. Rozier made it a one-point match after converting on the try.

Halftime followed shortly after with the score set at 15-14.

Knocking on the kickoff, the Black Ferns handed the Eagles an opportunity at goal with a penalty on the next possession. However, Rozier, missing to the left, could not convert the opportunity.

Relieving pressure through kicks, New Zealand found itself deep in Eagles territory. Hireme dotted down for her second try of the match after running around U.S. defenders. The try pushed New Zealand’s lead to 20-14.

Again, the U.S. was able to put pressure on New Zealand, but could not maintain possession. Through kicks, the Black Ferns stormed down the field. A penalty in front of the posts gave New Zealand an opportunity to extend its lead. Cocksedge converted on the five-meter kick to make the score 23-14 in favor of New Zealand.

Renee Wickliffe finished off the next series for New Zealand, capitalizing on an overlap to score the try in the corner. Cocksedge converted from the sideline to make the score 30-14.

A cross kick into the hands of Stacey Waaka set up the next Black Ferns try.

New Zealand continued to wear down the Eagles as the match moved along. Janna Vaughan split the U.S.’s defense for a 22-meter break and subsequent try. Emma Jensen converted the try for a 42-14 score line.

Trying to push the pace and get back into the match, the Eagles could not maintain possession despite gaining territory. Taking advantage of a turnover, Hireme scored her third try of the match following an 80-meter run.

The unconverted try proved to be the final score of the match.

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