The Black Ferns put on a spectacular show in Dunedin, demolishing Wales with a record-breaking victory. In a display of sheer dominance, the world champions scored 12 tries, including a hat-trick from Mererangi Paul and four tries from Ruby Tui. Despite a try from Abbie Fleming, Wales were outclassed throughout the match. The defeat extends Wales’ 32-year wait for a first win over New Zealand. However, they will have a chance to bounce back in their final WXV1 match against Australia. Meanwhile, New Zealand will face England in a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s Rugby World Cup final.
Wales entered the match hoping to break their losing streak against New Zealand, but they were unable to contain the Black Ferns’ lethal attack. The floodgates opened after 12 minutes, with New Zealand scoring five first-half tries out wide. Mererangi Paul found herself in acres of space to score unopposed, while Ruby Tui showcased her speed and agility with three tries on the wing.
Despite glimpses of attacking promise from Wales, their lineouts crumbled under the pressure of the Kiwi defence. In the second half, New Zealand opted for a more direct approach, with Amy du Plessis powering through the defence for a try. Wales managed to score a try through Abbie Fleming, but any hopes of a comeback were short-lived as Katelyn Vahaakolo and Lucy Jenkins added to New Zealand’s tally.
New Zealand captain Ruahei Demant expressed her satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting their execution of the game plan. Wales head coach Ioan Cunningham acknowledged the tough defeat but emphasized the learning experience for his team. He urged the players to stay united and finish the WXV1 tournament on a high note against Australia.
The line-ups for the match featured strong squads from both teams. New Zealand fielded a formidable team, including Renee Holmes, Ruby Tui, and Amy du Plessis. Wales, led by captain Hannah Jones, had players like Jasmine Joyce and Abbie Fleming in their lineup.
The match was officiated by referee Amber McLachlan, with assistance from Hollie Davidson and Sara Cox. Rachel Horton served as the TMO.
In conclusion, the Black Ferns’ dominant performance against Wales in Dunedin resulted in a record-breaking victory. Despite Wales’ efforts, they were unable to contain the relentless attack from the world champions. The defeat extends Wales’ wait for a first win over New Zealand, but they have an opportunity to redeem themselves against Australia. New Zealand, on the other hand, will face England in a highly anticipated rematch. The match showcased the talent and skill of both teams, with standout performances from Mererangi Paul and Ruby Tui.