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Black Ferns stand-in captain Georgia Ponsonby knows her side are not yet fully through the 2026 WXV Global Series as they turn their attention to the Red Roses next weekend at Allianz Stadium.
Ponsonby and the Black Ferns in the second half of their convincing dominance 66-14 against Scotland at the Hive Stadium in Edinburgh, scoring four unanswered tries.
Tries from Mo’omo’oga Palu and Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu opened proceedings, before the hosts hit back in front of their home crowd through Evie Gallagher.
But the Black Ferns showed their quality in spades during the second half, running away from the WXV competition in week two in Edinburgh.
Ponsonby, who is holding the captaincy while Ruahei Demant recovers from a calf injury, explained how she saw the battle on the pitch.
“I think it was a really exciting game. There were a lot of good tries scored there, and I think it was a great opportunity for us to show our X factor and the players we’ve got,” the Black Ferns winger told reporters.
“Scotland were a quality team. I think they showed a lot of heart there. I don’t think the result reflects the stretch and the battle we had there.”
“Yeah, I think they should be really proud of themselves, and it was a really great game.”
However, Ponsonby knows there are areas the Red Roses can exploit next weekend if the Black Ferns cannot improve.
“I think it’s probably just our securing the ball, making the right decisions to carry or offload, and then yeah, securing our hands so we can get the ball quickly and use space.
“I think we’ve grown week by week, we’re getting better every week, and I’m really proud of how we’ve done that. But today’s performance won’t be good enough to beat England.”
Black Ferns Sevens star and outside back Maia Davis came off the bench to make her debut against Scotland, coming on to replace Braxton Sorensen-McGee in the 50th minute.
Black Ferns coach Whitney Hansen said Davis made a big impact on their Northern Tour, and she will be sorely missed when she returns to the Black Ferns Sevens environment.
“Maia is a special human being and I think it was a matter of when, not if, she would become the Black Fern. And I think the most exciting thing about her is that she’s so hungry to be better that what we saw tonight is just the beginning of something really special.
“I had a little joke with her and just to see if she wants to stay for a few more games before she goes back to the Sevens. But she’s decided at this point she’s going to go back to the Sevens for the next piece, but we’re going to enjoy the time we have with her and she’s made a huge contribution to this tour.”
