The Matatū impact on Black Ferns Victory

Our Matatū women played a big part in the Black Ferns dominant performance over Australia last weekend in Brisbane. 

The girls in black notched up a 50-0 victory over their Wallaroo counterparts in what many are calling a new era for the team, with six debutants named in the first Test starting XV of 2023. 

It was their first game since winning the Rugby World Cup final, and their first under new coach Allan Bunting, kicking off the O’Reilly Cup. 

Bunting said pre-game that he wanted the squad to play attacking footy, score early and stay in control. And follow that game plan they did. 

Tanya Kalounivale (Chiefs Manawa) scored in the 11th minute to begin the barrage, cleanly converted by Renee Holmes (Matatū) who converted four on the night. 

It was Holmes who also gave the last pass for both of Mererangi Paul’s (Chiefs Manawa) tries either side of half time. 

Rosie Kelly, Matatū’s newest capped Black Fern

Rosie Kelly (Matatū) made her debut for the Black Ferns in this fixture, and can be credited with an assist having offloaded the ball to Alana Bremner (Matatū Captain) who ran 25 metres through defenders for her try. Kudos also to former Matatū player Chelsea Bremner who touched down for the Black Ferns sixth try. 

Alana Bremner in action for the Black Ferns v Australia

There was time enough at the end for debutant Iritana Hohaia (Hurricanes Poua) to touch down, thanks to some slick work earlier from Amy du Plessis (Matatū).  

The Black Ferns play Canada on Sunday 9 July at 11.00am NZT, and USA on Saturday 15 July at 8.00am NZT, both at TD Place in Ottawa. All matches are part of the Pacific Four Series.