women
international women
The Black Ferns continued their winning ways in the latest WXV Global Series action with a dominant victory of 66-14 over Scotland at the Hive Stadium in Edinburgh.
A slick, accurate first-half display saw six tries scored before four more were added after the break.
During the stormy day, bugs sometimes crept in, but New Zealand were more than good value for their 10-try win as Tara Turner and Layla Sae led the way to a comfortable win.
Here’s how the Black Ferns rated…
15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee – 7
Impact in the general game when switching first receiver duties with Hannah King. At times excellent distribution. He made an impressive breakthrough on the line early in the second half to start. Two faults: missed spot-kicks on a blustery afternoon and the interception that eventually led to Scotland’s score.
14. Justine McGregor – 8
Happy to get involved outside of her fold in her job search. She played her part in a slick backline display that saw the ball move from one runner to another with speed and precision. Some big shots on defense. She received a straight finish for her attempt. She gave Saila a late score when she was sure she would cross herself.
13. Amy Du Plessis – 7
Good line of support for her score below the posts. He had a few difficult moments communicating with center partner Saili which led to Scottish breakaways. She stayed wide when she should have bitten a runner in a one-run build, but we’re clutching at straws when looking for too many negatives.
12. Alena Saili – 7
Another strong display in attack, part of an all-round skilful back-line game. One poor miss in the second half that led to a rare Scottish break. The match ended with an easy result.
11. Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a –
Like her wing colleague, she was more than happy to look for a job in the field. Her assist on King’s try was superb, she made a beautiful save to get out before laying the pass to tie the last defender.
10. Hannah King – 8
Easy day for the outfield when dealing with a fastball against a retreating defense. However, it made a number of good decisions in distribution. She offered a threat herself as she showed solid defensive toughness.
9. Tara Turner – 9
It’s hard to choose between Turner and Layla Sae for best player on the park. Turner’s speed, both at the breakdown and on her base run, was something to behold. That pace knocked Scotland out of the park. A precise pass in stormy conditions and a deserved result with the track from Sae.
1. Maddison Robinson – 7
Quiet but solid screen. She missed the highlights of her helping colleagues, but she locked down the scrum well.
2. Georgia Ponsonby – 7
Busy around the park on both sides of the ball. Few impressions in the title, but they played an instrumental role in tying the game up after a couple of line breaks killed any hopes of a Scottish comeback early in the second half.
3. Momomogo Palu – 7
I had a look at the cheat code when he scored his first try of the day, smashing his way through from over 10m. He was quiet after that but popped up early in the second half with a deft clearance for an assist try.
4. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu – 8
He caught the close up well. She also picked a good line to break before handing du Plessis for her score under the sticks. Disruptive in defense while leading her team’s shot count – a solid all-round display.
5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos – 8
Strong in the lead, deft when linking play and wreaked havoc in her fair share of breakdowns. The quintessential powerful forward lock screen.
6. Layla Sae – 9
Outstanding. Two try assists and as many tries, her finish for second shows her athleticism. They could easily have the strongest defense in the international game right now. It’s hard to have more of a positive impact on the game.
7. Elinor-Plum King – 8
Good jackal skills at times as she was rewarded for a good run when she took a hit from Tuliau-Tua’a. With the speed of the Black Ferns’ attack, the back row was asked to be everywhere to secure possession on the floor. Well done on that job.
8. Mia Anderson – 8.5
A series of hard shots on defense. Part of an all-round excellent attacking display from the Black Ferns back row. He will be annoyed that it went under the post for Scotland’s result, but it was a rare blip.
Substitutions – 8
Amarante Sititi scored literally the first goal in an effective start to her second half. Ngano Tavake earned a much-hyped scrum penalty in her first set on debut. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu was all over the place in defence, breaking the navy jerseys at will.
