The partnership brings together two globally recognised brands united by shared values of integrity, excellence, and community impact.

Gallagher becomes the Official Insurance Broker of NZR, and the brand will appear on both the training and match day shorts of all NZR’s national teams, including the All Blacks, Black Ferns, Māori All Blacks, and Sevens teams.

The multi-year agreement with New Zealand Rugby strengthens the commitment from Gallagher Insurance to growing rugby’s fan base across the world. The partnership will see Gallagher Insurance branding featured prominently on player shorts across multiple global match days each year and includes a robust schedule of fan activations.

“This is a partnership that reflects the scale, ambition and passion for rugby both our organisations have,” said Mark Robinson, CEO of New Zealand Rugby. “We couldn’t be more excited to align with Gallagher Insurance, who already have deep expertise in elite sport, along with a key business focus in New Zealand and globally. This partnership helps solidify where we’re heading, not just with our teams on field, but as a sporting brand off the field too.”

Gallagher Insurance sees New Zealand Rugby as a natural extension of its global sports strategy, connecting with elite organisations that are shaping the future of high-performance competition.

“At Gallagher, we believe in the power of sport to build stronger communities and foster leadership on and off the field,” said Christopher Mead, Chief Marketing Officer, Gallagher Insurance. “Partnering with New Zealand Rugby—an institution that stands for integrity, respect, and excellence—aligns perfectly with our values. We are proud to stand with the All Blacks, the Black Ferns, and all NZR teams as they inspire fans and unite communities around the world.”

Gallagher has proudly served clients in New Zealand for more than a decade, and this partnership reflects a deepened commitment to the communities and businesses that call Aotearoa home. While Gallagher officially entered the New Zealand market in 2014, its merger partner has roots in New Zealand dating back nearly 50 years—underscoring a long-standing legacy of local trust and service.

Through this new partnership, Gallagher will work alongside NZR to deliver local impact and create unforgettable matchday experiences for clients and fans around the world. Gallagher Insurance becomes a regional partner of multiple All Blacks Clinics a year, and the jersey partner for New Zealand referees across all domestic competitions from 2026 including DHL Super Rugby Pacific, Sky Super Rugby Aupiki, and Bunnings Warehouse Provincial Rugby. This reflects Gallagher Insurance’s commitment to protecting the rules and fairness of the game at all levels in New Zealand.

Gallagher Insurance have also signed All Black and two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett as one of their global ambassadors. Barrett’s role as an ambassador will see him supporting Gallagher’s community commitments in New Zealand and around the world. Gallagher also continues their ambassador relationship with Kendra Cocksedge, a Black Ferns legend.

Gallagher is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, USA and with the All Blacks v Ireland test in November the partnership will be showcased to a US audience and to its UK market during the upcoming Northern Tour.

An event celebrating the partnership will be held at 3pm at the All Blacks Experience in Auckland, New Zealand.

With thanks to NZR

Pacific Four, Round Three

The Eagles made a promising start, winning penalties and territory, to cause the big crowd to delay their celebrations. By the end the scales had tipped wildly the other way, sending the Black Ferns and their fans into raptures.

Mackenzie Hawkins’ early touch kicks lacked accuracy, but from her second the pack drove mightily close to the line. Sadly, they had let Alana Bremner insert herself, to prevent a score. ‘Held up’.

But they came again, building a really impressive attack, involving Ilona Maher, Sariah Ibarra and Hope Rogers (twice). The ball moved wide, then back to the middle; finally Freda Tafuna forced her way over to break the deadfock. 0-7

The trouble was, any error they made was exploited ruthlessly by the Ferns. An illegal ruck entry by Rachel Johnson gave them their first chance to shine. Georgia Ponsonby got to the line, but once more ‘Held up!

Now we saw the Ferns at their best; quality offloads disrupted the defences, and suddenly an attacking line of four advanced with hardly an opponent in sight. Katelyn Vahaakolo scored on the right. 7-7

Braxton Sorensen-McGee was already showing her youthful class, slipping through and offering an offload. Now we saw the size of the task Sione Fukofuka has taken on. A poor US pass fell straight into opposition hands, and Jorja Miller was allowed to show her 7s skills with a break, escaping from a tackle and feeding Vahaakolo for a desperately easy score. 12-7

Already a central contrast was evident: inventive off-the-cuff play comes naturally to the Ferns, not to the Eagles. Their moves tended to look pre-planned, and far too many passes were going to ground. But it was encouraging to see both sides willing to counter-ruck at the breakdown.

NZ muffed two chances to score, but it was time for Portia Woodman-Wickliffe to make her mark. Ilona Maher had the job of cutting her down; she did so once, but the next time PWW got the ball down over the line under the greatest pressure. Believe it or not, she was to score six (6) more tries, to set a new Ferns’ all-time record.

Sorensen-McGee started another move which brought PWW a much simpler try. Kate Zackary showed her quality in getting back to make a tackle, but the ball was away again. 24-7

It was a relief for the neutral that the Eagles countered promptly. A Hawkins penalty led to a drive from close in, and the inevitable result was yet another try for Hope Rogers. 24-14

That, I fear, was as good as it got for the Eagles. From this point, less than 30 minutes into the match, it was one-way traffic. The Ferns turned on all the taps to build a quite massive score. By half-time they had scored 34 points; by full time they had added 45 more.

The stampede started, as so often, on the end of a nice Eagles’ move. One faulty pass, and the Ferns were on the rampage. Jorja Miller, looking more like a wizened loose forward than an outstanding 7s star on debut, made a huge break, and that was another try for PWW.

From there it was difficult for soft-hearted spectators to go on watching. The scoreboard belonged to a cricket ground: 40, 50, 60, 70…

Right near the end we could see all the Eagles’ deficiencies. In possession in defence, they refused to kick deep; phase after phase till the inevitable error, snd they were still inside their own red zone. The process continued right up to the 82nd minute, when PWW – rather overdoing her playing to the crowd (dancing beyond the far touch-line, and so on) – waltzed over for her seventh offering. She looked pleased with herself, reminiscent of her eight tries against Hong Kong in a past RWC.

The Pac-4 trophy was safe in Kiwi hands.

Result: New Zealand 79 USA 14

Teams

New Zealand

1. Kate Henwood, 2. Georgia Ponsonby, 3. *Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, 4. Alana Bremner,
5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, 7. *Jorja Miller, 8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker, 9. “Risaleaana Pouri-Lane, 10. Ruahei Demant (co-captain), 11. Katelyn Vahaakolo, 12. Theresa Setefano, 13. Stacey Waaka, 14. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, 15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee,
16. *Vici-Rose Green, 17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, 18. Tanya Kalounivale, 19. Chelsea Bremner, 20. Kennedy Tukuafu (co-captain), 21. Maia Joseph, 22. Hannah King, 23. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt
*uncapped

USA

1 Hope Rogers 2. Paige Stathopoulos 3. Keia Kae Sagapolu 4. Hallie Taufoou 5. Erica Jarrell 6. Freda Tafuna 7. Kate Zackary (captain) 8. Rachel Johnson 9. Olivia Ortiz 10. Sariah Ibarra 11. Cheta Emba 12. Mackenzie Hawkins 13. Ilona Maher 14. Emily Henrich 15. Bolou Mataitoga
16. Kathryn Treder 17. Alivia Leaterman 18. Charli Jacoby 19. Rachel Ehrecke 20. Tahlia Brody 21. Cass Bargell 22. Nicole Heavirland 23. Tess Feury

Referee: Sara Cox (RFU)

Afterthoughts

One day there is going to be a serious injury to a player caused by a mobile camera-operator standing far too close to play. Here an example was NZ’s first try, where a camera followed Katelyn Vahaakolo from just beyond the dead-ball line. If she’d been tackled, there could have been serious injury to either player. And again, as PWW scored, a camera was at grass-level far too close to the players, the operator not in a position to retreat quickly.

And why is a camera allowed to come on to the field and poke inside a huddle, World Rugby?

The choice of Ibarra at 10 was a real risk, since she didn’t have security with the boot. A try-line drop-out betrayed her. And her back-line found it impossible breaking down the defensive black wall. More variation in approach would have helped, but the experience and the skill weren’t there.

A pity that the co-commentator, Michaela Brake, only had words of praise for the Ferns, unlike the impressive Rikki Swannell.

USA: their one win over the Ferns was in 1991. NZ needed a bonus-point win plus 25 points to take the trophy. They got them with consummate ease.

The 12 July Laurie O’Reilly Cup game v Oz is NZ’s last outing pre-RWC.

Attendance: The bottom tier of the main stand was well filled.
.

When the Black Ferns term this a ‘must-win’ game, they don’t mean it’s high time they downed the Eagles’ colours. No, they intend winning the Pac-4 trophy that Canada claimed last year.

Black Ferns

Allan Bunting is able to experiment again. He has named four uncapped players, including two more switching across from the 7s squad, Jorja Miller and Risaleaana Pouri-Lane. Both are named as starters, Miller at 7, Pouri-Lane at 9.

These choices are a challenge for the players. Newcomers to No 9 find all sorts of nasty obstacles getting in their way, and No 7 – the Kiwi position above all others – will test Miller’s adaptability no end.

The other two changes are at prop, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, who starts, and Vici-Rose Green, on the bench. Sceptics might wonder if Bunting is still hunting for props who can dominate any scrum the world can throw at them. Kate Henwood, starting again at loose-head, is now 36.

For the rest, Bunting mixes and matches. The introduction of Pouri-Lane means Maia Joseph is benched and Iritana Hohaia disappears from view. With Braxton Sorensen-McGee making her third consecutive appearance at the back, neither Renee Holmes nor any other full-back gets a chance to show her paces.

Theresa Setefano, once better known as Fitzpatrick, returns to form the same centre partnership with Stacey Waaka as appeared in the last RWC final.

Eagles

I sense Sione Fukofuka is still getting to grips with the squad. In a match he can hardly hope to win, he introduces players he wants to see more of under testing conditions. So Paige Stathopoulos takes over from Kathryn Treder as hooker, and more crucially Sariah Ibarra comes in at 10. Mackenzie Hawkins isn’t benched; she simply moves out to No 12, where a disciplinary committee forced a gap.

19-year-old Ibarra has an interesting background. Though born and bred in California, she started playing rugby at the age of 9, because she found herself in New Zealand. From there she ascended the steps to the full Eagles Fifteen, being capped last year against Japan. A good performance will not only do her own chances a heap of good; they will widen her team’s future prospects.

For the rest, Fukofuka confines himself to minor alterations. Nicole Heavirland gets another chance from the bench, having spent most of her international career in 7s.

Teams

New Zealand

1. Kate Henwood, 2. Georgia Ponsonby, 3. *Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, 4. Alana Bremner, 5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, 7. *Jorja Miller, 8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker, 9. “Risaleaana Pouri-Lane, 10. Ruahei Demant (co-captain), 11. Katelyn Vahaakolo, 12. Theresa Setefano, 13. Stacey Waaka, 14. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, 15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee,
16. *Vici-Rose Green, 17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, 18. Tanya Kalounivale, 19. Chelsea Bremner, 20. Kennedy Tukuafu (co-captain), 21. Maia Joseph, 22. Hannah King, 23. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt
*uncapped

USA

1 Hope Rogers 2. Paige Stathopoulos 3. Keia Kae Sagapolu 4. Hallie Taufoou 5. Erica Jarrell 6. Freda Tafuna 7. Kate Zackary (captain) 8. Rachel Johnson 9. Olivia Ortiz 10. Sariah Ibarra 11. Cheta Emba 12. Mackenzie Hawkins 13. Ilona Maher 14. Emily Henrich 15. Bolou Mataitoga
16. Kathryn Treder 17. Alivia Leaterman 18. Charli Jacoby 19. Rachel Ehrecke 20. Tahlia Brody 21. Cass Bargell 22. Nicole Heavirland 23. Tess Feury

Referee: Sara Cox (RFU)

USAR has just announced a tie-up with CBS Sports Network. This marks an important step forward for them. It’s a pity that CBS’s first attempt at presenting the team selection can’t quite spell ‘New Zeland’ correctly.

Details:

Date: 24 May
KO: 15.35 (local time)
Venue: North Harbour Stadium, Auckland

This was another game to build to a unforgettable climax after the hooter. Few could have imagined the outcome.

The organisers of the Pac-4 have not yet taken the plunge and made this fixture the final act of a three-part drama. That is the pattern in the Six Nations, where England v France brings the curtain down.

After today’s contest there may be a rethink; we should have known it would be as tight as this. We didn’t expect it to be so open, if full of unforced errors.

At the start it was all Canada. They kept the ball tight, only to hand over possession before completion. That allowed the Ferns’ midfield of Silvia Brunt and Amy du Plessis to make dangerous breaks, and suddenly the hosts were looking for the line. As the ball spread left, Braxton Sorensen-McGee jinked inside and over. 7-0

A Canadian nudge at an early scrum promised well. The ball went wide to Julia Schell, but a knock-on followed. A telling break by Laetitia Royer straight off a line-out let her pack loose, and DaLeaka Menin drove over. 7-7

Two kicks by Claire Gallagher let Kiwi backs counter dangerously. This reawakened my concerns about her play. It improved greatly in the second half, but here she couldn’t find the safest positions from which to launch her clearances. She couldn’t dominate.

Both sides were willing to take risks, making the game lively and unpredictable. But both coughed up possession at wrong moments. Two hopeful passes sent Canada scrambling rearwards.

A more positive example: the Ferns came close to the line, lost the ball and Canada passed right down their line for Florence Symonds to counter. Karen Paquin was belying her years by playing a stormer.

On the half-hour Ruahei Demant waltzed past two tackles to win a penalty. A moment later the Ferns advanced close to the line; the ball flew left and Ayesha Leti-I’iga escaped to slide over. 12-7

Next the Ferns’ co-captains turned down a pot at goal from in front for a scrum. Would they do the same in an RWC final? Here the result was a penalty conceded further from the line. The Maple Leafs ran it out and went on flinging. The game stopped only because Leti-I’iga was on the floor injured.

From the scrum Canada built well. Asia Hogan-Rochester twice had the ball, scoring from the second on the right edge.

The 7s backs were showing their worth! Florence Symonds’s quick pass out wide made the difference.

Half-time 12-12

Despite all the turnovers, there’d been wonderful stuff to watch, Canada countering every thrust of the Ferns with their own.

The Canadian front-row won a big scrum penalty; the Ferns went straight down. The backs spread the ball to the wing, despite the threatening NZ line-speed. Alysha Corrigan got away then dropped ball as she prepared her fend!

As McKinley Hunt appeared for her first outing in 2025 the possession stood 50/50; impossible to separate them. Another unwise Canadian kick ahead went straight to Portia Woodman-Wickliffe who scythed through three tackles, but Kennedy Tukuafu dropped a pass under pressure from Symonds.

A wonderful run by Sorensen-McGee led to a clever diagonal grubber by Brunt. It was picked up by Leti-I’iga who had room to finish under the posts. A lovely sequence. 19-12

Olivia Apps’ appearance had an instant effect, leaving the defences unsure what she intended, and they were clocking up penalties. Two Canadian driving mauls went down, but from the second Apps found her way over. 19-17

Both sides deserve credit for continuing to take all manner of risks. Schell kicked deep into the Ferns’ ingoal and Woodman-Wickliffe ran it out. That proved unwise. Apps collected a relieving kick, the ball moved smoothly to Corrigan who had the speed to make the line. 19-22 (the same score as last year.)

Here the visitors were in front for the first time, and the score came with fourteen on the field, as Gabrielle Senft was off, possibly with collar-bone trouble.

Now Canada were spotted off-side at a kick ahead. Demant pointed at the posts. 22-22

To add to worries about Senft, Alex Tessier, who had been prominent throughout, failed an HIA.

Kat Roche warned New Zealand about their penalty count. They were well into double figures.

Now more drama: Canada built fourteen phases close to the posts, but the Ferns won their own penalty. That was a triumph. Canada had reverted to type, using the pack exclusively, as at the start.

Another brave ruse: Demant shaped for a kick to touch but tapped and ran. Once more an NZ error came too soon, just outside their own 10-metre. Their pressure subsided further when Iritana Hohaia advanced off-side round a ruck. Gallagher set her forwards up again; they drove then the ball went wide. Did Shoshanah Seumanutafa ground legally or did she have two bites at the cherry? Roche needed a second view. On 76 minutes the TMO was called in for the first time! Roche’s verdict was ‘try’, and Oli Kellet agreed.

Suddenly the crowd was aghast. Schell muffed an important kick. She had to replace ball and may have been time-conscious. 22-27

As the hooter sounded, NZ had a line-out eighteen metres out. Their driving maul couldn’t do the job, so the phases piled up as the clock passed 82 minutes.

On 83 minutes – and about the 22nd or 23rd phase – Brunt squeezed over by the right flag. Too far out for the conversion to succeed. Another dramatic finish; we may get used to them.

Result: New Zealand 27 Canada 27

Teams

Black Ferns
1. Viliko 2. Ponsonby 3. Rule 4. Bremner 5. Roos  6. Sae 7. Tukuafu (co-captain) 8. Mikaele-Tu’u 9. Joseph 10. Demant (co-captain) 11. Leti-I’iga 12. Brunt 13. du Plessis 14. Woodman-Wickliffe 15. Sorensen-McGee
16. Lolohea 17. Henwood 18. Kalounivale 19. Vaipulu 20. Olsen-Baker 21. Hohaia 22. King  23. Paul

Canada
1. Kassil 2. Tuttosi 3. Menin 4. O’Donnell 5. Royer 6. Forteza 7. Paquin 8. Senft 9. Pelletier 10. Gallagher 11. Corrigan 12. Tessier 13. Symonds 14. Hogan-Rochester 15. Schell
16. Boag 17. Hunt 18. Wood 19. Beukeboom 20. Crossley 21 Apps 22. Seumanutafa 23. Bermudez

Referee: Kat Roche (USAR)
 
Afterthoughts

By my reckoning Canada stay ahead of NZ in world rankings by a minute 0.30 points. It’s hard to say how the two managements will react. For all the splendid effort expended, both sides committed mistakes all through that ask questions about their ability to exert their superiority when it really matters.

There was a meaningful contrast in selection: Rouet introduced three 7s players into his back-line; they did thoroughly well. Bunting kept all his waiting in the stand; they couldn’t expect to walk into his team.

It offers a curious paradox: Bunting is an experienced former 7s coach, Rouet is not. Both have their eye on the World Cup. They have chosen opposite approaches for the top game of the Pac-4.

The Black Ferns failed on two counts. They couldn’t justify national expectations that they would win the next RWC; nor could they regain the initiative over the Maple Leafs.

Black Ferns selectors have named their match-day 23 which includes rugby stalwart Portia Woodman-Wickliffe on the wing in her first international XVs game since the 2022 Rugby World Cup Final.

Black Ferns Director of Performance Allan Bunting said he is thrilled to have Woodman-Wickliffe back in the black jersey.

“I’m really excited for Portia to again represent her country in front of friends and whānau, it will be a special moment for her. It’s been awesome seeing the joy in her eyes and everything she does to enhance our environment. Her willingness to learn and grow is contagious; we look forward to seeing her play this weekend against Canada,” Bunting said.

Woodman-Wickliffe is also two tries away from reaching 200 points in a Black Ferns Test match to become only the third Black Fern to reach that milestone.

Woodman-Wickliffe and Amy Rule’s start along with the return of Liana Mikaele-Tu’u to the number 8 jersey are the only three changes to the run on team that beat Australia last weekend.

Following her stellar two-try debut last Saturday, rising star Braxton Sorensen-McGee returns for another week at fullback.

In the front row, prop Amy Rule will start alongside Chryss Viliko, while Tanya Kalounivale celebrates her 20^th Test match with Kate Henwood off the bench. Georgia Ponsonby starts at hooker and the locking duo of Alana Bremner and Maiakawanakaulani Roos remains unchanged. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u starts in no.8 for her first match of the year.

A virtually unchanged backline sees Co-captain Ruahei Demant and Maia Joseph in the 9 and 10 jerseys, while Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt and Amy du Plessis combine again in the midfield, powerful winger Ayesha Leti-I’iga joins Woodman-Wickliffe and Sorensen-McGee to complete the back three.

Atlanta Lolohea, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Iritana Hohaia, Hannah King and Mererangi Paul will look to create impact off the bench.

Canada is currently ranked second in the world and secured their first-ever win over the Black Ferns (22-19) in Christchurch last year, which saw them claim the PAC4 2024 title.

“We are focused on us, our Rugby Lead and Attack Coach Tony Christie along with our coaching team are doing a great job installing our game. It was good to see pieces of this come together last week versus Australia,” Bunting said.

“Last Saturday was a great stepping stone towards where we want to be, and we look forward to seeing how we build off that this week against a quality Canadian side. We are excited to play our first Test at home.”

The highly-anticipated match will be broadcast live on Sky Sport 1 and highlights available on NZR+.

Black Ferns v Canada

1. Chryss Viliko
2. Georgia Ponsonby
3. Amy Rule
4. Alana Bremner
5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos
6. Layla Sae
7. Kennedy Tukuafu (Co-captain)
8. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u
9. Maia Joseph
10. Ruahei Demant (Co-captain)
11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga
12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt
13. Amy du Plessis
14. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe
15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee

16. Atlanta Lolohea
17. Kate Henwood
18. Tanya Kalounivale
19. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu
20. Kaipo Olsen-Baker
21. Iritana Hohaia
22. Hannah King
23. Mererangi Paul

Key facts:

• Black Fern Tanya Kalounivale will celebrate her 20^th Test match on Saturday.
• This will be the 19^th encounter between the Black Ferns and Canada.
• Canada won 22-19 over the Black Ferns in the 2024 Pacific Four Series final which was Canada’s first-ever win over the Black Ferns.

Black Ferns timeline:

• May 17 – Black Ferns v Canada 3.35pm NZT kick-off | Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand – BUY TICKETS
• May 24 – Black Ferns v USA, 3.35pm NZT kick-off | North Harbour Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand – BUY TICKETS

With thanks to New Zealand Rugby

Pacific Four Series, Match Two

The current standings stood 27-0 to the visitors. As a counter, the Wallaroos could boast a new record of four consecutive wins.

But they couldn’t find a way of overturning history. Their best form came too rarely to match the power and accuracy of the Ferns.

The Wallaroos made four thunderous tackles as if they’d prepared for them. When finally Tia Hinds put up a kick, it was charged down by Maia Joseph, and they had to start all over again.

The Wallaroos’ first line-out went well. Desiree Miller twice made a dangerous run, but the Ferns had the last word, forcing a knock-on under pressure.

It took them seven minutes to develop; twice off-loads nearly brought the desired result. Then the breakthrough came as Ayesha Leti-I’iga spotted an unguarded ruck and raced through under the posts. 0-7

Australia kept possession well, but were having difficulty gaining ground. Two errors by the Ferns’ props gave them chances, but Tia Hinds failed to find touch. That’s an interesting case of a 7s player switching to a key post in 15s where a skilled boot is vital. Was she under orders to prefer the handling game? There were open spaces behind the line of black shirts.

It needed desperate defence and a good tack by Katalina Amosa to prevent a second Ferns’ score.

Two Aussie penalties to touch gained little territory. Then the repeat of an old question: why persist in long line-out throws? They’re so rarely straight.

One more short Australian clearance cost dear. A slick move brought a second Kiwi try. Leti-I’iga, looking more like a 7, scored by the posts. Simple Aussie exit procedures weren’t good enough, the kicks barely clearing the 22-metre line. In the process Emily Chancellor may have been lucky to avoid a yellow for a high tackle. 0-14

At last a good clearance by Hinds took her team to halfway. But New Zealand were winning the collisions.

On the half-hour Tanya Kalounivale was off and Amy Rule on. Opposition analysts will decide what lay behind that decision, but Rule played thoroughly well from then on.

A Wallaroos drive looked promising, crossing the NZ 22, but the Ferns won the call as the move halted.

After they threatened through the middle, Joseph threw a long pass to Braxton Sorensen-McGee on the right flank, and she just managed to touch down inside the flag.

Oh, it’s TMO time again. Does slo-mo reveal separation? No, it’s a try, BSM’s first.

Half-time 0-19

The score reflected one team’s ability to continue moves till they count.

Martha Fua got the crowd roaring with a bullocking run, but a loose pass put the Ferns back in control. With clinical accuracy they went for the line and Chryss Viliko scored. That was the bonus wrapped up. 0-26

A really nice Wallaroos line-out move, back to the front, was spoiled by a hopeful extra-long pass. Fortunately they had a penalty. A catch and drive went to ground, but Eva Karpani profited to cross wide out for their first score. 5-26

Charlotte Caslick’s chance came on 49 minutes, roughly 49 later than normal of a 7s pitch. This was thanks to a nice dummy and give by Faitala Moleka. The ensuing ruck was slow and Layne Morgan sent one pass low, the next high, resulting in a midfield knock-on.

Allan Bunting introduced Hannah King on 52 minutes. Her first clearance was very short, and she did little to justify her back-up place to Demant. Australia profited with good thrusts, but Georgina Friedrichs couldn’t quite claim a grubber before it ran touch in-goal.

For the present it was all Oz. Siokapesi Palu reached over the line but was held up. It was these split-second decisions that counted – drive or long pass? Neither was working.

At last a perfect sequence! A clean line-out and a drive: try to Ash Marsters. 12-26

Then they let the Ferns straight back into the game; a quick ruck short of the line and Layla Sae had scored their fifth.

TMO, chapter 2: the ball had deflected forward off a Fern hand at the line-out. No try.

It was typical of the way the game was running that a huge hit by Tania Naden on Sorensen- McGee left the Wallaroo on the deck injured.

Sylvia Brunt went over for the Kiwis’ sixth try on the end of a lovely intricate passing move. Once more a midfield tackle wasn’t decisive enough. With momentum gained, they exploited space ruthlessly. 12-31

Natalie Wright had a box kick charged down and it needed the TMO to decide that Iritana Hohaia had knocked on as she dived for the ball on the line.

The Ferns finished with their best move yet. Pinpoint passes by both centres gave Sorensen-McGee all the room she needed to dummy and accelerate past groping hands.

As the siren moaned, the kick-off failed to reach 10 metres. A fitting end.

Result; Australia 12 New Zealand 38
Referee: Clara Munarini (FIR)
ARs: Maggie Cogger-Orr (NZR) & Jessica Ling (RA) TMO: Leo Colgan (IRFU)

Teams

Australia
1. Martha Fua, 2. Katalina Amosa, 3. Eva Karpani, 4. Kaitlan Leaney, 5. Michaela Leonard, 6. Siokapesi Palu (captain), 7. Emily Chancellor, 8. Tabua Tuinakauvadra, 9. Layne Morgan, 10. Tia Hinds, 11. Desiree Miller, 12. Cecilia Smith, 13. Georgina Friedrichs, 14. Charlotte Caslick, 15. Faitala Moleka
16. Tania Naden, 17. Lydia Kavoa, 18. Bridie O’Gorman, 19. Tiarah Minns, 20. Ashley Marsters, 21. Natalie Wright, 22. Trilleen Pomare, 23. Lori Cramer

New Zealand
1. Chryss Viliko, 2. Georgia Ponsonby, 3. Tanya Kalounivale, 4. Alana Bremner, 5. Maia Roos, 6. Layla Sae, 7. Kennedy Tukuafu (co-captain), 8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker 9. Maia Joseph, 10. Ruahei Demant (co-captain) 11. Katelyn Vahaakolo, 12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i (Sylvia) Brunt, 13. Amy du Plessis, 14. Ayesha Leti-I’iga, 15. *Braxton Sorensen-McGee
16. Atlanta Lolohea, 17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, 18. Amy Rule, 19. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, 20. Dhys Faleafaga, 21. Iritana Hohaia, 22. Hannah King, 23. Mererangi Paul
*uncapped

 Afterthoughts 

For the coaches the quandary is: ‘Do we go on experimenting, or give our preferred first-choices another run-out together?’ I would query Hinds at 10 (Moleka was shifted to 15) and King as back-up 10. Caslick saw little of the ball.

Will Bunting find a way of readmitting Ruby Tui to the pantheon? She had surrendered her place in the 7s squad to have another shot at a World Cup win. He was questioned closely in interviews, looking like a man in search of answers.

Braxton Sorensen-McGee turned down the chance of joining the NZ Warriors Rugby League team in the Australian NRLW. it remains to be seen whether this was just a short-term decision to take part in the RWC or a permanent rejection of the big enemy, RL.

Palu has voiced her wish to see the Wallaroos facing top-class opposition far more often. The authorities may agree, but the questions remain: where and when? And how to fund the enterprise?

The Aussie coaching box won its own match 2-0. No woman is deemed good enough to join the NZ coaching staff.

Interested onlookers included Phil Waugh, Joe Schmidt and David Kirk.

Commentary: it sounded as if the voices were coming both ways round the globe to the northern hemisphere, audible but disconcerting. Engineers sorted the trouble.

The second match takes us to the southern hemisphere, where it will stay till the final round on 23 May.

Jo Yapp and Allan Bunting have announced their squads (see below).

Wallaroos

With the successful Fiji test behind her, Jo Yapp’s first job was to peruse the injury list. Unfortunately it amounts to nine players. Initial plans were upset by injuries to Maya Stewart and Bienne Terita, incurred during the Suva match. It was already confirmed that Atasi Lafai, Brianna Hoy, Georgia Fredrichs, Leilani Nathan, Piper Duck and Samantha Wood were counted out.

Medical analysts will be concerned that no fewer than four of them are suffering knee injuries. Of the two 7s stars only Charlotte Caslick remains. She will make her first start on the right wing.

Despite these setbacks Yapp includes no uncapped players, while Bridie O’Gorman, Georgina Friedrichs and Kaitlan Leaney are happily restored to health.

Siokapesi Palu retains the captaincy, having scored one of the Wallaroos’ seven tries in Fiji.

The emphasis is on building towards the World Cup, rather than expecting a first-ever win over the Ferns in a Laurie O’Reilly Cup match – even though it’s on home soil. Without a single victory in fifteen attempts and with two of her front row owning one cap each, we can understand why.

Black Ferns

Allan Bunting includes only one debutant in the 23. No question of giving plenty of less experienced players a run-out. The 18-year-old Braxton Sorensen-McGee starts at full-back, having impressed in the Super Aupiki with the trophy-winning Blues. She has been hitting the sporting headlines since she became the NZ Rugby League U16 player of the year in 2022. (That word ‘league’ will hold a heap of meaning for Ferns’ fans. Rugby League presents the biggest threat to the Ferns’ well-being. They will be delighted to see BSM transfer her ambitions to the Union version).

Her inclusion has meant the dropping of Renee Holmes, quite a shock, as she had become a bit of a fixture in the 15 shirt. One reason for her retention had been her ability with the boot.

We will see soon enough what role if any the kick will play iin Bunting’s developing game-plan.

Overall we must hope for any sign of a shift in strength among the four nations. The Black Ferns and the Maple Leafs lie well ahead of the Eagles and the Wallaroos, both in this tournament and on the world stage. The key match remains NZ-Canada. An upset would be very welcome. Where have we met that hope before?

Teams

Australia

1. Martha Fua, 2. Katalina Amosa, 3. Eva Karpani, 4. Kaitlan Leaney, 5. Michaela Leonard, 6. Siokapesi Palu (captain), 7. Emily Chancellor, 8. Tabua Tuinakauvadra, 9. Layne Morgan, 10. Tia Hinds, 11. Desiree Miller, 12. Cecilia Smith, 13. Georgina Friedrichs, 14. Charlotte Caslick, 15. Faitala Moleka
16. Tania Naden, 17. Lydia Kavoa, 18. Bridie O’Gorman, 19. Tiarah Minns, 20. Ashley Marsters, 21. Natalie Wright, 22. Trilleen Pomare, 23. Lori Cramer

New Zealand

1. Chryss Viliko, 2. Georgia Ponsonby, 3. Tanya Kalounivale, 4. Alana Bremner, 5. Maia Roos, 6. Layla Sae, 7. Kennedy Tukuafu (co-captain), 8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker 9. Maia Joseph, 10. Ruahei Demant (co-captain) 11. Katelyn Vahaakolo, 12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i (Sylvia) Brunt, 13. Amy du Plessis, 14. Ayesha Leti-I’iga, 15. *Braxton Sorensen-McGee
16. Atlanta Lolohea, 17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, 18. Amy Rule, 19. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu,
20. Dhys Faleafaga, 21. Iritana Hohaia, 22. Hannah King, 23. Mererangi Paul
*uncapped

Match details

Date: Saturday 10 May
Time: 13.00 (AEST); 06.00 (BST)
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Coverage: rugbypass.tv (except in the two nations involved)

Three players are in-line to make their Black Ferns debut, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (prop), Vici-Rose Green (hooker) and Braxton Sorensen-McGee (fullback).

Mahutariki-Fakalelu, an emerging powerhouse, was part of the Waikato team that clinched the Farah Palmer Cup, Presented by Bunnings Warehouse title in 2024. After taking time away from the game, she earned a call-up in the Chiefs Manawa side for this year’s Sky Super Rugby Aupiki where she continued to impress.

Waikato hooker Green made her Sky Super Rugby Aupiki debut in 2023 which saw her named in Black Ferns XV that same year. Following an outstanding season with the Chiefs Manawa in 2025, Green has been rewarded with a Black Ferns call-up.

Rising star Sorensen-McGee, known for her speed and instincts, has also been named in the outside backs, alongside Black Ferns stalwart Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, after making a lasting impression in their inaugural season with the Blues.

Bunting said he was impressed by the focus and growth shown by the players following two days of testing and an internal hit-out coupled with their form during Sky Super Rugby Aupiki.

“Our squad selections are based on consistency in Aupiki, experience and our two days in camp. The Pacific Four Series is a chance for us to reward those players with an opportunity to represent our country. We are looking forward to seeing our wāhine play Test matches against quality opposition,” Bunting said.

“It’s not just about the squad of 33, this is about building a solid group of 40 plus who will be clear on how we want to be, and play come World Cup selection time.”

Sevens stars Jorja Miller, Stacey Waaka, Theresa Setefano, Dhys Faleafaga and Risaleaana Pouri-Lane have been included, while Kelly Brazier will travel with the squad to Newcastle as travelling reserve.

Miller, Waaka and Pouri-Lane will join the squad in Christchurch ahead of the Black Ferns v Canada match due to their LA Sevens tournament commitments.

A number of experienced players such as Ruby Tui, Renee Holmes and Chelsea Bremner have missed selection for the Pacific Four Series. Bunting acknowledges they were difficult decisions.

“It’s a tight race leading up to our World Cup campaign and we know we’ve had to make tough calls at this point. I’ve been very impressed by the response and attitude from our players to still serve the team. Our whole group is important on this journey, there is still a bit more water to go under the bridge before we name our World Cup squad,” Bunting said.

The Black Ferns travel to Newcastle on Saturday, May 3 and will begin their preparations for their Test match against Australia at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday, May 10, 5.00pm NZT kick-off. All Pacific Four Series matches will be broadcasted live on Sky Sport 1 and match highlights available on NZR+.

The Black Ferns squad for the Pacific Four Series is (Age, Super Rugby Club, Provincial Union, Test caps):

Loosehead props
Chryss Viliko (24, Blues, Auckland, 10 Test caps)
Kate Henwood (36, Chiefs Manawa, Bay of Plenty, 8 Test caps)
Awhina Tangen-Wainohu (27, Blues, Waikato, 4 Test caps)

Hookers
Georgia Ponsonby (25, Matatū, Canterbury, 27 Test caps)
Atlanta Lolohea (22, Blues, Canterbury, 5 Test caps)
Vici-Rose Green (23, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, uncapped)

Tighthead Props
Tanya Kalounivale (26, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 18 Test caps)
Amy Rule (24, Matatū, Canterbury, 27 Test caps)
Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (20, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, uncapped)

Locks
Maiakawanakaulani Roos (23, Blues, Auckland, 29 Test caps)
Alana Bremner (28, Matatū, Canterbury, 25 Test caps)
Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (22, Blues, Auckland, 5 Test caps)
Dhys Faleafaga (24, Black Ferns Sevens, 2 Test caps)

Loose Forwards
Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (23, Blues, Auckland, 26 Test caps)
Layla Sae (24, Hurricanes Poua, Manawatū, 11 Test caps)
Kaipo Olsen-Baker (22, Matatū, Manawatū, 9 Test caps)
Kennedy Tukuafu (28, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 27 Test caps)
Jorja Miller (21, Black Ferns Sevens, uncapped)

Halfbacks
Maia Joseph (23, Matatū, Otago, 8 Test caps)
Iritana Hohaia (25, Hurricanes Poua, Taranaki, 14 Test caps)
Risaleaana Pouri-Lane (24, Black Ferns Sevens, uncapped)

First fives
Ruahei Demant (30, Blues, Auckland, 41 Test caps)
Hannah King (21, Matatū, Canterbury, 7 Test caps)

Midfield 
Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (21, Blues, Auckland, 21 Test caps)
Theresa Setefano (30, Black Ferns Sevens, 18 Test caps)
Amy du Plessis (25, Matatū, Canterbury, 19 Test caps)
Stacey Waaka (29, Black Ferns Sevens, 25 Test caps)

Outside backs
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (33, Blues, 24 Test caps)
Katelyn Vahaakolo (25, Blues, Auckland, 14 Test caps)
Ayesha Leti-I’iga (26, Hurricanes Poua, Wellington, 24 Test caps)
Mererangi Paul (26, Chiefs Manawa, Counties Manukau, 12 Test caps)
Braxton Sorensen-McGee (18, Blues, Auckland, uncapped)

*Travelling reserve to Newcastle
Kelly Brazier (35, Black Ferns Sevens, Chiefs Manawa, 42 Test caps)

With thanks to New Zealand Rugby

Flutey has been appointed as Black Ferns Backs and Skills Coach, focusing on growing key concepts and skillsets within their game model.

He brings a wealth of international playing knowledge to his role having debuted for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby in 2002, earning 38 caps over four seasons, and represented the Māori All Blacks (formerly New Zealand Māori) that same year. In 2008, Flutey earned a call-up to the British and Irish Lions and became the first-ever player to play against and then for the Lions on a Southern Hemisphere tour to South Africa in 2009.

After retiring from playing, Flutey transitioned into coaching and in 2019 joined the Highlanders as their Assistant Coach leading various portfolios. While fulfilling his duties at the Highlanders, he offered his support to the Columba College 1^st XV, Columba College Sevens, Otago Women’s Development Team and the University Women’s Premiers.

“Working in women’s rugby teams including the hubs was rewarding; I was able to build meaningful connections which means a lot to me as I’m big on connection. It’s truly an honour to now be in this environment with the Black Ferns. I look to use my playing experiences and knowledge wherever I can add value to help grow each individual as we start building towards the Rugby World Cup,” Flutey said.

“A lot of these players here in camp inspired my daughter Madison to play rugby several years ago now. She loves rugby because of them so it’s special to be able to give back directly to those who inspired her through their actions on the field and in the community to grow women’s rugby in Aotearoa.”

Flutey completes the previously announced coaching make-up of Black Ferns Director of Performance Allan Bunting, Tony Christie (Rugby Lead and Attack), Steve Jackson (Defence) and Dan Cron (Forwards).

Black Ferns Director of Performance Allan Bunting highlighted Flutey’s ability to connect with people.

“I believe we’ve got the best people to empower and grow our players. Riki has a special skillset that I know will enhance our group, support our coaches and ensure we grow in certain areas of our game,” Bunting said.

“It’s been special coming together, both players and management, we have an awesome crew. It’s great to have Riki onboard, he has already had an impact, and we are excited about what he will bring.”

With thanks to New Zealand Rugby

The announcement of the squads is in line with the launch of the High Performance Referee strategy and the 2025 community referee framework.

New Zealand Rugby’s High Performance Referee Manager, Chris Pollock, said the introduction of the two initiatives creates a unified pathway for developing match officials.

“Together, these initiatives will provide the opportunity to position New Zealand Rugby as world leaders in the way the game is officiated.”

The top 14 referees in the country have also been named in the newly formed New Zealand Performance Referee Squad, as well as the regional squads, and will be responsible for officiating all DHL Super Rugby Pacific, Sky Super Rugby Aupiki, and Bunnings Warehouse NPC matches.

“We are very clear that we want our system to allow players and coaches to showcase their skills. We need to develop our referees in a way that helps grow our players and coaches while creating great competitions through how we officiate and appoint match officials,” Pollock said.

The development of a community referee framework will introduce clear standards for progression in the community game, ultimately preparing match officials for selection into regional development squads.

New Zealand Rugby’s Game Development Manager – Referees, Matt Peters, said the alignment will have benefits across the game.

“The framework means that referees throughout the country will have access to the same bank of resources, the same coaching and review processes which gives them a clear understanding of how to progress,” said Peters.

Regional development referees will officiate Farah Palmer Cup presented by Bunnings, Bunnings Heartland Championship, provincial union development, age group, and leading 1st XV competitions.

The five squads will gather up to three times a year for regional development workshops, with a top referee coach leading each group.

The 81 referees represent 16 provincial unions, with the Blues region having the largest contingent at 20 members. There are 15 women in the group, including two new additions in Otago’s Elisabeth Hutton-Neill and Amy Eason.

Nine referees have international experience, including six currently officiating at the highest level in XVs. Additionally, Tiana Anderson, Chloe Sampson, and Nick Hogan are currently refereeing on the HSBC SVNS Series.

Referee squads (bold indicates Performance Squad members)

Blues Region
Ben O’Keeffe, Angus Mabey, Marcus Playle, Todd Petrie, Natarsha Ganley, Maggie Cogger-Orr, Scott Mckenzie,  Sam Adam, Nathan Chestnut, Kyle Lagerwall, Tim Olliff, Ollie Hadfield, Tomas Roche, Leo Palmer, Travis Larsen, Dion Aho, Hannah Russell, Adam Palmer, Caleb Greeves, Ben Mclauchlan
Regional Lead – Chris Morgan

Chiefs Region
Paul Williams, Mike Winter, Warwick Lahmert, Ben Woolerton, Tiana Anderson, Will Johnston, Andy Morton, Ben Brownlie, Brandon Roberts, Chloe Sampson, Kaitlin Bates, Sam Fellows, Liam Sargent, Estelle Whaiapu, Matt Astle, Neco Blanc, Sean Curragh, Nick Hogan
Regional Lead – Rob Parkes

Hurricanes Region
Dan Waenga, Stu Curran, Jono Bredin, Stu Catley, Krysten Cottrell, Jacob Booth, Matt McEwen, Matt Thomas, Charlie Harris, Ethan Loveridge, Warwick Price, Sam Couper, Claire Richardson, Matt Perry, Nathan Pinder
Regional Lead(s) – Brent Murray and Brian Robertson

Crusaders Region
Jackson Henshaw, Dan Moore, Ben Alexander, Taneika Uerata, Josh Edmonds, Chris Paul, Josh Rooney, Will Todd, Karl Hancox, Will Day, John Whitcombe, Damon Smith, Andrew Matthews
Regional Lead – Kane McBride

Highlanders Region
James Doleman, Fraser Hannon, Cassie Watt, Georgia Mason, Erin Doherty, Caleb Neilson,  Logan Whitty, Josh Hamill, Michael Buttery, Jackson Brierly, Jared Fox, Elisabeth Hutton-Neill, Amy Eason, Craig Anderson, Sam Nicholson, Kieran Eathorne
Regional Lead – Jim Thomson

With thanks to New Zealand Rugby