18 Jun 2022

Black Ferns dominate in Whangārei

8:26 pm on 18 June 2022

The Black Ferns have beaten the USA 50-6 in their final Pacific Four match in Whangārei.

Wing Ayesha Leti-I'iga starred for New Zealand with three tries, including one within the first two minutes of the match.

Ayesha Leti-I’iga of New Zealand scores her 3rd try during Pacific Four round three women's rugby match between New Zealand and USA at Semenoff Stadium in Whangarei, New Zealand on Saturday June 18, 2022. Copyright photo: Aaron Gillions / www.photosport.nz

Ayesha Leti-I'iga was in fine form in Whangārei Photo: Aaron Gillions

Arihana Marino-Tauhinu, Renee Holmes, Sylvia Brunt, Kendra Reynolds and Renee Wickliffe all scored tries of their own in the dominant showing.

Wet weather failed to dampen the Black Ferns, who took their chances and held strong in defense to take a 29-6 lead into the break.

A strong defensive effort from the hosts held the USA scoreless in the second half.

The victory gives the Black Ferns three wins from as many matches in the Pacific Four series, marking a strong start to Wayne Smith's coaching career with the side.

Attention will now be turned to the two match Laurie O'Reilly Series in August, before the Rugby World Cup gets underway in October.

Canada defeated the Wallaroos 22-10 in the earlier match, scoring 22 unanswered points to take the contest.

RNZ