Black Ferns topple Wallaroos

Katelyn Vahaakolo scored two tries in the Black Ferns win over the Wallaroos.
Photo: DJ Mills / www.photosport.nz

The Black Ferns have beaten Australia 43-3 in their rugby test in Hamilton, running in seven tries to none.

New Zealand dominated the first half in both territory and possession, scoring five tries, with winger Katelyn Vahaakolo scoring a brace. Prop Krystal Murray, first five Patricia Maliepo and second five Sylvia Brunt also scored as the home side went to the break 31-0 up.

A transformed Wallaroos side turned in a much-improved second half effort, so much so that they had the better of the possession and territory stake for much of it.

It was only when Australia prop Bridie O’Gorman was sent off for a dangerous tackle, with just over 10 minutes play that the Black Ferns regained the ascendency and got on the board in the second half, with late tries to Lucy Jenkins and Martha Mataele.

The Wallaroos turned in a much improved second half effort.
Photo: Aaron Gillions / Photosport

The test was the Black Ferns’ first at home since their World Cup win last year.

Black Ferns 43: (Katelyn Vahaakolo 2 tries, Krystal Murray, Sylvia Brunt, Lucy Jenkins, Martha Mataele tries; Ruahei Demant 3 conv, Rosie Kelly 1 conv)

Wallaroos 3: (Carys Dallinger 1 pen)

RNZ