Last year everything was new and experimental. Now the WXV is more familiar, and the consequences of failure more dramatic.

In the last game of the Pacific Four Series Australia have to beat New Zealand for the first time in order to avoid an unwanted drop into WXV2.

The odds are against them. Currently they lie 62 points behind the USA Eagles (-26, -88) in fourth place, so a last-minute reprieve is out of the question.

Their response will be to see the game as another stepping-stone towards ultimate success. They have a new staff in place, are still growing used to the new shape put in place for them, and that final target, next year’s World Cup is a long way off.

The Line-ups

The two head coaches, Jo Yapp and Allan Bunting, have announced their teams. They are:

Black Ferns

1 Chryss Viliko 2 Georgia Ponsonby 3 Amy Rule 4 Maiakawanakaulani Roos 5 Alana Bremner 6 Liana Mikaele-Tu’u 7 Kennedy Simon (co-captain 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker 9 Iritana Hohaia 10 Hannah King 11 Katelyn Vahaakolo 12 Sylvia Brunt 13 Amy du Plessis 14 Mererangi Paul 15 Renee Holmes

16 Luka Connor 17 Amy Rule 18 Aldora Itunu 19 Charmaine Smith 20 Layla Sae 21 Maia Joseph 22 Ruahei Demant (co-captain) 23 Grace Steinmetz

Bunting has taken the opportunity to ring the changes, especially in the pack. Alana Bremner plays second row for the first time, and the back-row is reorganiised to give Kaipo Olsen-Baker a run at No 8.

His view of the game is confirmed by the choice of Hannah King at outside-half, leaving Ruahei Demant to survey events from the bench. Renee Holmes returns at the back. At least the Wallaroos won’t be faced with Ruby Tui on the wing.

Wallaroos

15 Caitlyn Halse 14 Maya Stewart 13 Georgina Friedrichs 12 Cecilia Smith 11 Desiree Miller 10 Bella McKenzie, 9 *Samantha Wood 1 Brianna Hoy 2 Tania Naden 3 Eva Karpani 4 Michaela Leonard (captain) 5 Atasi Lafai 6 Siokapesi Palu 7 *Leilani Nathan 8 Piper Duck

16 Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke 17 Sally Fuesaina 18 Bridie O’Gorman 19 Kaitlan Leaney 20 Tabua Tuinakauvadra 21 Layne Morgan 22 Trilleen Pomare 23 Faitala Moleka
*uncapped

Ash Marsters is ruled out with an ankle injury, so Lailani Nathan gets her chance in the back-row. Cecilia Smith, captain of Queensland Reds, replaces Trilleen Pomare in the centre alongside Georgina Friedrichs. Yapp perseveres with the seventeen-year-old Caitlyn Halse at 15, which is a tribute to the youngster’s debut performance last time.

Yapp’s view must remain long-term, seeing how her players face up to a difficult situation. Courage and temperament are rarely lacking in a Wallaroos’ side.

The game doubles as the second part of the annual two-acter, the Laurie O’Reilly Cup.

Match details
Date: 25 May
Venue: North Harbour Stadium KO: 14.05 (local time)
Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron (RSA)

In a big upset the USA Eagles turned the Melbourne game around to inflict a stunning defeat on the Wallaroos.

Nobody could have predicted this outcome at the start. On four minutes Georgie Friedrichs made an stunning outside break to feed Desiree Miller who had too much pace for the defence.

The curious sequence that followed should have warned us of how the game was to unfold. The Eagles went on the attack and won a penalty in front. Gabby Cantorna’s kick hit the left post and came back out. As the Wallaroos massed to secure the ball, Maggie Cogger-Orr penalised them a second time for holding on, and Cantorna didn’t miss that one. (5-3)

The game was moving at a giddy pace, but inaccurate handling halted promising moves. Olivia Ortiz made up for a couple of bounce passes with a snipe that gained valuable ground that the Eagles couldn’t exploit.

Instead the Wallaroos mounted dangerous counters. They were held up on the line, won a penalty and kicked for the corner. But a promising catch-and-drive was thwarted by an all too obvious piece of obstruction as the pack rolled forward.

Still, they had the momentum. On 14 minutes Ash Marsters celebrated a first test on her home patch with a splendid try, breaking loose and producing a dummy to remove the last defender from her path. Bella McKenzie converted well from wide out. (12-3)

The dangers of over-confidence now showed through. A blind off-load fell into Kate Zackary’s hands, and the pendulum swung again. A neat chip by McKenzie Hawkins nearly worked, but the Wallaroos held on out close to their line.

Now more drama: Marsters offered Miller a wonderful off-load and she sprinted over. But Cogger- Orr wanted the move checked; sure enough, Marsters could be seen holding a defender back as she tried to stop Miller’s advance. No try. Eyes tight shut during the Wallaroos’ post-match review.

It’s going to be a sad affair. At this stage of the game they looked to be well on top, but the failure to add points, through tries or conversions, was going to tell a different story.

That was far from their minds as they went through a long set of phases. Marsters again served Miller on the right who crossed to stretch the lead. (17-3)

They undid the good work by conceding a high tackle. The Eagles exploited a fine line-out to drive over the line. Try Kathryn Treder.

Half-time 20-8

How the Eagles mustered four second-half tries and finished with 56% possession will be two burning topics in the Wallaroos’ camp.

It has to be admitted that the visitors played some of their very best rugby we have seen for a long while. They built long phases, the pack refused to be pushed around. Hope Rogers was central to their success, scoring two more tries to add to her harvest.

She was on the end of an accurate catch-and-drive to bring the scores closer. (20-15) A wonderful break by the irrepressible Georgie Perris-Redding led to Rogers’ second offering. (20-20)

Jo Yapp will be concerned at the Wallaroos failure to stem the tide. They did manage one more score, another flourish by Friedrichs (25-20), but the momentum stayed with the Eagles.

The most brilliant try now followed. Ortiz, all innocence, looked one way then gave a tiny reverse flick, Bourdon-Sansus fashion, to Lotte Clapp who raced through full pelt. (25-27) This was a direct replica of a try Romane Ménager scored in the Six Nations.

The Eagles nearly had another try. Hawkins hoisted a short kick over the top, Bulou Mataitoga collected and fell over the line. But a review spotted Friedrichs making a fine tackle that slapped the ball loose.

This was another let-off for the hosts, but they failed to take advantage. Once more the USA gained a penalty, kicked for the corner and drove the ball. Wallaroo warning bells were clanging as the opposition hugged the ball. Sure enough, the defensive line drew in ever shorter. The Eagles spread wide right for Atumata Hingano to cross unmarked. That was the clincher.

Result: Australia 25 USA 32

American faces at the end showed how much this meant to them. They had known defeat after defeat as they fell to an all-time low of tenth in world rankings. Now their second-half performance turned the tables, offering a glimpse of a rosier future.

Teams

Australia

1. Brianna Hoy (NSW Waratahs), 2. Tania Naden (ACT Brumbies), 3. Eva Karpani (NSW Waratahs), 4. Kaitlan Leaney (NSW Waratahs), 5. Michaela Leonard (captain) (Western Force), 6. Siokapesi Palu (ACT Brumbies), 7. Ashley Marsters (Melbourne Rebels), 8. Piper Duck (NSW Waratahs), 9. Samantha Wood (Western Force), 10. Arabella McKenzie (NSW Waratahs), 11. Desiree Miller (NSW Waratahs), 12. Trilleen Pomare (Western Force), 13. Georgina Friedrichs (NSW Waratahs), 14. Maya Stewart (NSW Waratahs), 15. *Caitlyn Halse (NSW Waratahs)
16. Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke (Western Force), 17. Sally Fuesaina (ACT Brumbies), 18. Bridie O’Gorman (NSW Waratahs), 19. Atasi Lafai (NSW Waratahs), k20. Leilani Nathan (NSW Waratahs), 21. Layne Morgan (NSW Waratahs), 22. Faitala Moleka (ACT Brumbies), 23. Lori Cramer (Queensland Reds)
*Denotes debut

USA

15 Tess Feury 14 Bulou Mataitoga 12 Gabby Cantorna 13 Atumata Hingano 11 Lotte Clapp 10 McKenzie Hawkins 9 Olivia Ortiz 1 Hope Rogers 2 Kathryn Treder 3 Charli Jacoby 4 Hallie Taufoou 5 Erica Jarrell 6 Kate Zackary (captain) 7 Georgie Perris-Redding 8 Rachel Johnson
16 Paige Stathopoulos 17 Alivia Leatherman 18 Keia Mae Sagapolu 19 Rachel Ehrecke 20 Freda Tafuna 21 Taina Tukuafu 22 Katana Howard 23 Emily Henrich

Referee: Maggie Cogger-Orr (NZR)

Here’s a simplified table:

Table                       P       W      L       Pts

Canada                   2          2       0        10

New Zealand         1         1        0        5

USA                        3          1       2         5

Australia                2         0       2        2

The schedule for this year’s Pac-4 is very unbalanced, but it adds drama to proceedings. There are two games to come, one each week: 19 May, NZ v Canada; 27 May, NZ v Australia

Afterthoughts

This was a rare upset in the watery world of Pacific Four matches. It marked an important turning point for the Eagles, who had been the clear back-markers till this great result in Melbourne. Whether it will be enough to gain them a place in WXV1 is quite another matter, but their spirits are revived.
In the cold light of day, the game was there for the Wallaroos to take. Missed conversions and unforced errors all added up to a loss that need not have been.

This was a lost opportunity to win over a Melbourne that is not devoted to the 15s game.

Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Canada looked like a well-oiled machine as they forced the Wallaroos into submission.

But strangely all their points were scored by forwards; even stranger, the front row all crossed the line. The first stat becomes slightly less odd when we see Sophie de Goede taking the conversions.

There was delightful confusion at the kick-off; everyone was ready for the starting-pistol when it was realised the teams needed to change ends. The camera had shown the toss and the decision inside, so what went wrong? All I know is that a few captains need far more practice at coin-tossing.

In the opening minutes the Wallaroos were almost run off their feet; the visitors were playing with great accuracy despite their speed of thought and action. They gained an early reward. A penalty brought them to the 5-metre line. From there a drive saw Sara Cline open the scoring. A second try later and some accurate line-out throws will have calmed any nerves Kévin Rouet had about back-up for Emily Tuttosi.

The pack had their biggest success when they drove a maul from outside the 22 to just short of the line. As bodies fell to the floor, McKinley Hunt spotted the ball sitting loose at her feet and almost walked over.

It was a relief for the crowd seeing a Canadian handling error costing them a score. Tania Naden was on the end of a determined thrust to the line. (7-14)

Canada went straight back on the attack. Their policy was to pick and drive close to the breakdown; they did it so well that the ball-carrier was rarely isolated and picked off. With Olivia Apps threatening to exploit the tiniest gap they created, the Wallaroos’ defensive line was kept busy. Now Layne Morgan was deemed offside; Alex Tessier kicked to the corner and that was Cline’s second. (7-19)

When Australia repeated the same sequence, Canada managed to hold the drive, but I could have sworn that Tyson Beukeboom had swung round offside a moment earlier. She knows her way around a rugby pitch.

The other main plank in Canada’s game-plan was to send relieving kicks as deep as possible. Nothing very new about that, but young Claire Gallagher must have won the kicking trophy over Bella McKenzie by a few furlongs.

Half-time: 7-19

Another Australian error, a turnover, led to Hunt’s second try, stretching the lead away beyond likely recall (7-26). But the Wallaroos came back hard in attack. As they swung the ball left, menacing the line, a hand intercepted the ball and Natarsha Ganley stopped play. On checking the details, she decided that Madison Grant had prevented a probable score, so that was seven points in the kitty and our long-awaited first yellow card. (14-26)

It’s curious how rarely sides make effective use of the extra player. Now the game swung to the other end, and DaLeaka Menin made one of her typical bursts from a breakdown to cross the line. That was the Front Row Union very happy with affairs. (14-33)

Now Maya Stewart made a great break, but Apps has so much speed and anticipation of events that she got back to haul the winger down.

Excitement had grown as the pace hotted up, but into the last quarter players tired, and errors crept in, interrupting the flow.

The Maple Leafs confirmed their superiority by mounting attacks right past the final hooter. The Wallaroos did well to halt SdG as she powered to the line; they didn’t concede another score, but nor could they create a chance for themselves.

Result: Australia 14 Canada 33

Referee: Natarsha Ganley (NZR)

Teams:

Australia
1. Brianna Hoy (NSW Waratahs), 2.Tania Naden (ACT Brumbies), 3. Bridie O’Gorman (NSW Waratahs), 4. Kaitlan Leaney (NSW Waratahs), 5. Michaela Leonard (captain, Western Force), 6. Siokapesi Palu (ACT Brumbies), 7. Ashley Marsters (Melbourne Rebels), 8. Piper Duck (NSW Waratahs), 9. Layne Morgan (NSW Waratahs), 10. Arabella McKenzie (NSW Waratahs), 11. Desiree Miller (NSW Waratahs), 12. Trilleen Pomare (Western Force), 13. Georgina Friedrichs (NSW Waratahs), 14. Maya Stewart (NSW Waratahs) 15. Lori Cramer (Queensland Reds)

16. *Hera Barb Malcolm Heke (Western Force),17. *Sally Fuesaina (ACT Brumbies), 18. Eva Karpani (NSW Waratahs), 19. Atasa Lafai (NSW Waratahs), 20. Leilani Nathan (NSW Waratahs), 21. Tabua Tuinakauvadra (ACT Brumbies), 22. *Samantha Wood, 23. Faitala Moleka (ACT Brumbies)
*uncapped

Canada
1. McKinley Hunt (Saracens), 2. Sara Cline (Western Force ), 3. DaLeaka Menin (Exeter Chiefs),
4. Tyson Beukeboom (Trailfinders) , 5. Laetitia Royer (ASM Romagnat ), 6. Pamphinette Buisa (Ottawa Irish), 7. Sophie de Goede (captain, Saracens), 8. Gabrielle Senft (Stade Bordelais), 9. Olivia Apps (Lindsay), 10. Claire Gallagher (Leicester Tigers ), 11. Paige Farries (Saracens ), 12. Alexandra Tessier (Exeter Chiefs), 13. Fancy Bermudez (Westshore), 14. Madison Grant (Cornwall Claymores), 15. Sarah-Maude Lachance (Stade Bordelais)

16. Emily Tuttosi (Exeter Chiefs), 17. Brittany Kassil (Guelph ), 18. Alexandria Ellis (Stade Français), 19. Courtney Holtkamp (Red Deer Titans), 20. Fabiola Forteza (Stade Bordelais), 21. Justine Pelletier (Stade Bordelais), 22. Julia Schell (Trailfinders), 23. Shoshanah Seumanutafa (Chiefs Manawa)

Table                       P       W      L       Pts

Canada                   2          2       0       10

New Zealand         1         1        0        5

Australia                1         0       1         0

USA                        2          0       2         0

Afterthought

How many pundits will be sharpening their quills to complain bitterly about Canada’s style of play?

Their pack was in almost complete control throughout, and the backs were happy to join in the same style of play.

I seem to remember England being heavily criticised, even by English observers, for their over- reliance on forward power in pre-John Mitchell days – as if the backs just stood round and admired. Completely unfair.

Now the Canadians offered a thoroughly enlightened game, focusing on their strengths and showing cohesion right across the park. Whether they will be able to hold the Black Ferns in check will be a matter of extreme interest.

This wasn’t the result the organisers wanted.

Inside ten minutes the Black Ferns had scored four tries. The Eagles held the first scrum well, but when the ball spun out to Katelyn Vahaakolo, she waltzed past Emily Henrich as if she was a ghost.

Two passes infield to Ruahei Demant then Amy du Plessis, and she was over by the posts. Delight for all her team and the crowd; worries about the abiding disparities in attainment.

Now it was Ruby Tui on the right wing, slipping the ball inside to Mererangi Paul for the first of a hat-trick of first-half tries for her. Tui had the third; she couldn’t decide whether to go inside or outside, so she did both, and that was 19-0.

Quick passes gave Paul the ball again with her right-winger unmarked outside her. It takes some courage not to pass to a super star, but Paul chipped, collected and was over.

Julianne Zussman played advantage as a retreating Eagles tackle went in high. Paul was waiting in splendid isolation on the far right to receive a pin-point cross-kick. Fifteen minutes, five tries.

There was the almost inevitable inaccuracy in parts of the Americans’ play. A tap back at a line- out left players scrabbling to regain possession. The outcome was Gabby Cantorna setting the ball back at the bottom of the ruck; not what No 10s are paid top-dollar for.

A quick-witted Ferns’ line-out led to a peel and thrust over the line, but Zussman had spotted a crossing. Instead, within the half-hour Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu had a try on debut.

The Eagles mounted some promising phases, but lack of close support and a tight defence kept them at bay. Lotte Clapp made a promising run and fed Bulou Mataitoga who was just brought down in time. Sadly for her, she fell awkwardly and hobbled off, not to return.

Half-time: 36-0

Whatever was said in the Eagles’ dressing-room had its effect. At the start of the second half they mounted a series of attacks that threatened the Kiwi line. The problem was that the backs were unable to string passes together and threaten the defensive line at the same time. The bulk of the work was left to the pack, where Hope Rogers (inevitably!), Georgie Perris-Redding and especially Freda Tafuna impressed. Tafuna was constantly on the ball, causing the Ferns’ defence no end of hard work.

Clapp made a burst towards the line, but, in contrast with the free run-ins the Ferns enjoyed earlier, she couldn’t get past three defenders.

Now for the first time the Eagles pounded at the line. Inexperience told once again; no-one could spot a gap close in or a stretched defence wide out. Instead it was Rogers once more leading the charge. As she was brought down just short, she tried to roll the ball forward to reach the whitewash. No go.

On 50 minures Allan Bunting sent the young prospect Hannah King on at No 10, Demant moving out one place to 12. Still it was the US with the momentum. But the moment they lost possession, the ball was at the other end of the ground and Tui was over again.

One concern for the home staff was the number of penalties they racked up as the replacements came on. It was good to see confidence flowing through the Eagles’ veins again. This time they got the score they deserved, and fittingly it was Tafuna who finished the job.

At that stage, around 72 minutes, the second-half score was 7-5, a great credit to the USA.

But the Ferns knew they had to finish with a flourish. As the opposition tired and grew less accurate, they added two more tries to pass the half-century. (And that happened just once in the whole of the 2024 Six Nations!)

Result: New Zealand 57 USA 5 Teams

USA

15 Tess Feury 14 Emily Henrich 13 Bulou Mataitoga 12 Eti Haungatu 11 Lotte Clapp 10 Gabby Cantorna 9 Olivia Ortiz 1 Hope Rogers 2 Kathryn Treder 3 Charli Jacoby 4 Hallie Taufoou 5 Erica Jarrell 6 Freda Tafuna 7 Georgie Perris-Redding 8 Rachel Johnson (captain)
16 Paige Stathopoulos 17 Alivia Leatherman 18 Catie Benson 19 Jenny Kronish 20 Tahlia Brody 21 Taina Tukuafu 22 Atumata Hingano 23 Autumn Czaplicki

New Zealand

15 Mererangi Paul 14 Ruby Tui 13 Amy du Plessis 12 Sylvia Brunt 11 Katelyn Vahaakolo 10 Ruahei Demant (co-captain) 9 *Maia Joseph 1 Kate Henwood 2 Georgia Ponsonby 3 Tanya Kanounivale 4 Maia Roos 5 *Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu 6 Liana Mikaele Tu’u 7 Kennedy Simon (co- captain) 8 Layla Sae
16 Luka Connor 17 Chryss Viliko 18 Amy Rule 19 Charmaine Smith 20 Kaipo Olsen-Baker 21 Iritana Hohaia 22 *Hannah King 23 Patricia Maliepo
*uncapped

Referee: Julianne Zussman (RC)

Afterthoughts

Bunting was building for the future; for example introducing King as back-up for Demant. One surprise selection was the return of one the old hands, Aldora Itunu. She didn’t figure in Hamilton, but there is concern about the depth of front-row talent.

There’s a big worry too about players switching to the Rugby League club Warriors next year – with a RWC in sight? So more likely after it.

The Ferns have yet to lose a Pac-4 game.

Table                       P       W      L       Pts

Canada                   1          1       0        5

New Zealand         1         1        0        5

Australia                0         0       0        0

USA                        2          0       2         0

The Australia-Canada game to come

Eager Eagles

Now they have to face them on their own soil, in Hamilton, and they are still without their usual captain, Kate Zackary, who hasn’t yet recovered from injury. Rachel Johnson retains the armband.

Head coach Sione Fukofuka has moved Gabby Cantorna into No 10, owing to the absence of McKenzie Hawkins, also injured. At least that adds important know-how to the team axis. The centre partnership now reads Bulou Mataitoga and Eti Haungatu. Lotte Clapp has rejoined the squad to resume her normal place on the wing.

Even so, it is in the backs where I fear the Eagles will be most vulnerable.

It’s reassuring to know that the squad has been training hard in Hamilton for a while. This has included some some scrum-work with a Fernless Chiefs Manawa, the sort of detailed preparation that they always need and value highly.

The Ferns’ Turn

Allan Bunting could afford to take the long view with his selection. Few people can give the Eagles more than a sniff of a chance. So he has brought two debutants into the starting XV. The more interesting one is the choice of Maia Joseph at 9. Ever since Kendra Cocksedge retired – it seems an age ago now – the hunt has been on for a permanent replacement. Give or take the odd injury, we may assume the selectors are still hoping to alight on their best option.

Missing from the show are Ayesha Leti-I’iga and Renee Holmes. Bunting has plumped for Mererangi Paul to wear 15, her third position for the Ferns in five tests thus far.

Black Fern pre-match publicity has centred on ticket-sales rather than the ins and outs of the game. This is an unspoken reminder of the concern, barely comprehensible to non-Kiwis, that the public is slow to leave home to watch the recurrent World Cup winners. A week later they’ll be facing the Maple Leafs in Christchurch.

Teams

USA

15 Tess Feury 14 Emily Henrich 13 Bulou Mataitoga 12 Eti Haungatu 11 Lotte Clapp 10 Gabby Cantorna 9 Olivia Ortiz 1 Hope Rogers 2 Kathryn Treder 3 Charli Jacoby 4 Hallie Taufoou 5 Erica Jarrell 6 Freda Tafuna 7 Georgie Perris-Redding 8 Rachel Johnson (captain)

16 Paige Stathopoulos 17 Alivia Leatherman 18 Catie Benson 19 Jenny Kronish 20 Tahlia Brody 21 Taina Tukuafu 22 Atumata Hingano 23 Autumn Czaplicki

New Zealand

15 Mererangi Paul 14 Ruby Tui 13 Amy du Plessis 12 Sylvia Brunt 11 Katelyn Vahaakolo 10 Ruahei Demant (co-captain) 9 *Maia Joseph 1 Kate Henwood 2 Georgia Ponsonby 3 Tanya Kanounivale 4 Maia Roos 5 *Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu 6 Liana Mikaele Tu’u 7 Kennedy Simon (co-captain) 8 Layla Sae

16 Luka Connor 17 Chryss Viliko 18 Amy Rule 19 Charmaine Smith 20 Kaipo Olsen-Baker 21 Iritana Hohaia 22 *Hannah King 23 Patricia Maliepo
*uncapped

Fixture details:

Date: 11 May
Venue: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
KO: 14.05, local time

This can’t help being a fascinating clash.

On the Wallaroos side we have Jo Yapp, a (relatively) new coach picking her first team and causing one or two upsets in the process. For the Maple Leafs Kévin Rouet is building a squad that looks increasingly potent.

These are the teams selected:

Australia

1. Brianna Hoy (NSW Waratahs), 2.Tania Naden (ACT Brumbies), 3. Bridie O’Gorman (NSW Waratahs), 4. Kaitlan Leaney (NSW Waratahs), 5. Michaela Leonard (captain, Western Force), 6. Siokapesi Palu (ACT Brumbies), 7. Ashley Marsters (Melbourne Rebels), 8. Piper Duck (NSW Waratahs), 9. Layne Morgan (NSW Waratahs), 10. Arabella McKenzie (NSW Waratahs), 11. Desiree Miller (NSW Waratahs), 12. Trilleen Pomare (Western Force), 13. Georgina Firedrichs (NSW Waratahs), 14. Maya Stewart (NSW Waratahs) 15. Lori Cramer (Queensland Reds)

16. *Hera Barb Malcolm Heke (Western Force),17. *Sally Fuesaina (ACT Brumbies), 18. Eva Karpani (NSW Waratahs), 19. Atasa Lafai (NSW Waratahs), 20. Leilani Nathan (NSW Waratahs), 21. Tabua Tuinakauvadra (ACT Brumbies), 22. *Samantha Wood, 23. Faitala Moleka (ACT Brumbies)
*uncapped

Canada

1. McKinley Hunt (Saracens), 2. Sara Cline (Western Force ), 3. DaLeaka Menin (Exeter Chiefs), 4. Tyson Beukeboom (Trailfinders) ,  5. Laetitia Royer (ASM Romagnat ), 6. Pamphinette Buisa (Ottawa Irish), 7. Sophie de Goede (captain, Saracens), 8. Gabrielle Senft (Stade Bordelais), 9. Olivia Apps (Lindsay), 10. Claire Gallagher (Leicester Tigers ), 11. Paige Farries (Saracens ), 12. Alexandra Tessier (Exeter Chiefs), 13. Fancy Bermudez (Westshore), 14. Madison Grant (Cornwall Claymores), 15. Sarah-Maude Lachance (Stade Bordelais)

16. Emily Tuttosi (Exeter Chiefs), 17. Brittany Kassil (Guelph ), 18. Alexandria Ellis (Stade Français), 19. Courtney Holtkamp (Red Deer Titans), 20. Fabiola Forteza (Stade Bordelais), 21. Justine Pelletier (Stade Bordelais), 22. Julia Schell (Trailfinders),  23. Shoshanah Seumanutafa (Chiefs Manawa)

Canada look to have all the advantages bar one: the match takes place in Sydney. Last year’s result in Ottawa was a clear 45-7 win for the home side. That is the gap Jo Yapp’s squad has to bridge.

She has picked three potential debutants on the bench, Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke, Sally Fuesaina and Samantha Wood. With Piper Duck returning to action after a frustrating year-long injury, she takes her place at No 8, allowing Kaitlan Leaney to return to the second row. Although Jay Tregonning had selected Duck as his new captain, that injury meant the armband went to Michaela Leonard, and she retains it.

Yapp’s forceful influence, backed by an extra $3 million backing offered by Cadbury, is helping to increase the pace of an increasingly professional approach. She has been clear about her policy: she has picked players who fit in with the overall game-plan she and her staff are building. That has meant the exclusion of one or two familiar names. She has explained to them how they can win favour again, and – in the time-honoured phrase – the door is not shut.

She has focussed as far as reasonable on experience, exemplified by honours coming to two Canadian players: Tyson Beukeboom will equal the most capped Maple Leaf of all, Gillian Florence, on 67. Alongside her Alex Tessier will gain her 50th cap.

Three of their team-mates join the starting XV after missing out in the first match of the series against the USA: McKinley Hunt, Sarah-Maude Lachance and Fancy Bermudez.

Sophie de Goede may possibly suffer from travel sickness as Rouet moves her from 6 to 7, although 8 has been her go-to position for seemingly ever.

Fixture details:

Saturday 11 May, Allianz Stadium Sydney, KO 16.45, AEST time

In order to help ensure a large crowd, the game forms the first part of a double-header. It makes that late afternoon start, followed by a men’s match, Waratahs v Brumbies, in the evening.

Doriane Domenjo (France) will referee the Netherlands v Colombia match in Amsterdam on 16 March with the winner to take their place in WXV 3 2024, which takes place in Dubai from 27 September to 13 October.

Precious Pazani (Zimbabwe) takes charge of Spain v South Africa in Valladolid on 23 March with Holly Wood (England) in the middle for USA v South Africa in London on 30 March.

VIEW FULL APPOINTMENTS >>

As a consequence, there have been some changes to assistant referee appointments for the Guinness Women’s Six Nations, as well as three changes to Television Match Official appointments with Dan Jones (England) replacing Ian Tempest (England).

The updated panels are:

France v Ireland – Stade Marie-Marvingt, Le Mans – 23 March

Referee: Kat Roche (USAR)
Assistant referee 1: Maria Latos (GER)
Assistant referee 2: Adele Robert (BEL)
TMO: Quinton Immelman (SARU)

Scotland v France – Hive Stadium, Edinburgh – 30 March

Referee: Sara Cox (RFU)
Assistant referee 1: Precious Pazani (ZRU)
Assistant referee 2: Adele Robert (BEL)
TMO: Dan Jones (RFU)

Ireland v Italy – RDS, Dublin – 31 March

Referee: Hollie Davidson (SRU)
Assistant referee 1: Maria Heitor (FPR)
Assistant referee 2: Amber Stamp-Dunstan (WRU)
TMO: Chris Assmus (RC)

Italy v Scotland – Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma – 20 April

Referee: Maggie Cogger-Orr (NZR)
Assistant referee 1: Natarsha Ganley (NZR)
Assistant referee 2: Amber Stamp-Dunstan (WRU)
TMO: Dan Jones (RFU)

Ireland v Scotland – Kingspan Stadium, Belfast – 27 April

Referee: Natarsha Ganley (NZR)
Assistant referee 1: Aurélie Groizeleau (FFR)
Assistant referee 2: Holly Wood (RFU)
TMO: Dan Jones (RFU)

VIEW WOMEN’S SIX NATIONS UPDATED APPOINTMENTS >>

There is also one change in the Pacific Four Series 2024 with Aurélie Groizeleau (France) replacing Amber McLachlan as referee for New Zealand v Canada in Christchurch on 19 May.

VIEW PACIFIC FOUR SERIES UPDATED APPOINTMENTS >>

With thanks to World Rugby

• Black Ferns secure second consecutive World Rugby Pacific Four Series title with 39-17 win over USA
• Hosts Canada overpower Australia 45-7 to cap off series in Ottawa
• New Zealand, Canada and Australia qualify for WXV 1 while USA to compete in WXV 2
• Sara Cox surpasses Clare Daniels as most-capped female referee of all-time

It was an unforgettable night in Ottawa on Saturday for 21-year-old Maiakawanakaulani Roos as she became the youngest ever Black Ferns captain and lifted the World Rugby Pacific Four Series 2023 trophy with her teammates at TD Place Stadium.

After trailing the USA Women’s Eagles 17-5 at the break, New Zealand scored 34 unanswered second-half points to secure the 39-17 victory and taste Pacific Four Series success for the second straight year.

In the second match of the day, Canada’s Tyson Beukeboom, who was playing in her 60th test, scored a hat-trick to lead her side to a 45-7 victory over Australia to finish second in the annual four-team competition.

By finishing in the top three, New Zealand, Canada and Australia will compete in WXV 1 later this year in New Zealand, while USA will travel to South Africa to take part in WXV 2.

The new three-tier annual global women’s 15s competition is set to revolutionise the women’s international rugby landscape, providing for the first time a meaningful pathway for all unions and a competitive springboard towards an expanded 16-team Rugby World Cup in 2025.

NEW ZEALAND 39-17 USA

After receiving the Haka, it was a perfect start for the Women’s Eagles as they took a 7-0 lead over the Black Ferns within the first four minutes at TD Place Stadium. Georgie Perris-Redding got her side going forward with a scintillating midfield line-break, and, after a red card was issued to New Zealand scrum-half Iritana Hohaia in the second minute for a dangerous tackle, Freda Tafuna stepped hard off her left foot at the lineout to break free for the opening try. McKenzie Hawkins added the conversion.

The Americans would also see a card moments later when flanker Perris-Redding was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle, setting the platform for New Zealand’s first try from debutant Grace Gago off of a perfectly executed set-piece move from a lineout.

In the 20th minute, Jennine Detiveaux sliced through New Zealand’s backline in the hopes of scoring her side’s second try but the Black Ferns rallied to make two back-to-back try-saving tackles, the second on Summer Harris-Jones to keep the deficit to just two points. However, the Women’s Eagles would not be denied moments later when Rachel Johnson smashed over for the third try of the match.

After issuing a warning minutes earlier, match official Julianne Zussman handed New Zealand their second card of the opening 40 minutes as number eight Liana Mikaele-Tu’u was sent to the sin-bin for repeat infringements, allowing Hawkins to slot a penalty to push their lead to 17-5 heading into the half-time sheds.

Last year’s World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year Ruahei Demant, a first-half replacement, showed her class in the opening minutes of the second half to swing the momentum in her side’s favour.

After USA were held up over New Zealand’s try-line, an errant kick found Demant’s hands and she sliced through the USA defence before sending a grubber down field to Renee Holmes. Detiveaux made the try-saving tackle, however the Black Ferns would not be denied on the ensuing play when Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu took an inside ball to score untouched.

After a Holmes penalty brought the score to 17-15 for USA, the Black Ferns took the lead for the first time in the 57th minute through their forwards with replacement prop Phillipa Love smashing over after sustained pressure. Holmes added the tricky sideline conversion to bring the score to 22-17.

With the momentum fully in their favour, the Rugby World Cup 2021 champions continued their offensive onslaught despite having one less player on the pitch. Mikaele-Tu’u added the bonus-point try for her side and put the match out of reach for the Women’s Eagles.

The Mastercard Player of the Match Demant and Amy du Plessis would add two more tries to put the icing on the cake for their side’s victory and clinch their second consecutive World Rugby Pacific Four Series title.

USA captain Kate Zackary on her team’s performance following the loss: “We know where we are in the future of WXV. I’m absolutely stoked for this team. They were buzzing going into this match and the first half they were absolutely electric and everyone in the stands felt it, everyone at home hopefully felt it. Things are clicking that we haven’t quite had and that’s a real testament to what’s come in the future.”

Black Ferns captain Roos said: “I don’t think the end score reflects the effort and game that the USA came out with. They came out hissing and it was a real tough game but we found a way. We obviously have a lot of new, young talent that we’re looking to grow and develop so this was a great game for that and we really lifted in the second half.”

CANADA 45-7 AUSTRALIA

After controlling nearly 75 per cent of the possession in the opening 15 minutes in Australia’s territory, Canada were rewarded for their efforts when captain Sophie de Goede picked from the base of the scrum and powered over under the posts for the game’s first points. She added two points from the tee to give her side an early 7-0 lead.

Canada gifted the Wallaroos possession off the ensuing restart with a knock on, and the visitors made them pay minutes later through a try by flanker Ashley Marsters to draw level at 7-7.

Much to the delight of the passionate home crowd, the Canadians would answer back through Sarah Maude-Lachance. De Goede controlled the ball at the back of the driving scrum in midfield and, with a penalty signaled by match official Sara Cox – who became the most-capped female referee of all-time with her 35th test, surpassing Clare Daniels – the ball went through the hands for the winger to score in the right corner.

Playing in her 60th test, which is second all-time for Canada behind five-time Rugby World Cup veteran Gillian Florence, Tyson Beukeboom touched down for her nation’s third try to reward an impressive set of phases by the hosts’ forward pack. Captain De Goede added one more try and conversion on the stroke of half-time to take a 26-7 lead into the break.

Hometown hero Claire Gallagher, from the University of Ottawa GeeGees, opened the scoring in the second half. The 23-year-old fly-half, playing in her second test, dotted down under the posts for the bonus-point try.

Last Saturday’s Mastercard Player of the Match Eva Karpani was sent to the sin-bin by Cox in the 49th minute, setting the platform for Beukeboom to dot down her second try off the ensuing driving maul to extend Canada’s lead to 40-7 after another conversion from De Goede.

The penalty troubles continued for Australia as loose-head prop Bree-Anna Cheatham was also sent to the sin-bin to bring her team down to 13 players until Karpani returned to the field.

Mastercard Player of the Match Beukeboom completed her impressive hat-trick in the 67th minute in the left corner after taking a sublime offload from replacement forward Alexandria Ellis a metre from the try-line.

Beukeboom said: “It’s such an honour to be able to put this jersey on in the first place let alone 60 times and to be able to do it in front of this crowd and score three tries, which I’ve never done and probably won’t ever do again, is just so exciting. I had so much fun, I just wanted to hit things and I did and it worked out well for me.”

With thanks to World Rugby

The Wallaroos demolished the Eagles, to gain their first win over them for two decades. The rest of the world must sit up and take notice.

For a squad so lacking international contests, most of the opposition coming from relentless Kiwis, their standard of play reached remarkable heights.

From the first, the pack had the mastery of their opponents. The line-out too turned strongly in their favour, the Eagles’ throws rarely hitting their mark. That gave them the chance to show off their combined skills: clean off the top, out to midfield, dazzling inter-pssing and the defence didn’t know if it was coming or going. The driving maul too was effective. The writing was on the wall long before the break (the second in fact; the heat of Ottawa demanded water-breaks).

Half-time 27-5

Maya Stewart enjoyed herself thoroughly, running in a hat-trick on the right wing, though she might have preferred not to have 70 metres to run in for one of them, such were the conditions. Later on Bella McKenzie caught the defence out with delicate chips over advancing defenders to open up cavernous gaps where there should be none.

The Eagles did manage to construct enough moves to cross the line three times, but their untidiness and inexperience was shown by the few times they got over the gain-line to develop an attack. They weren’t helped by a scrum-hald who tended to take three steps before releasing the ball. This may have worried the fringe defences to start with – if she going to snipe? – but in the event it meant defenders were too close to the Eagles midfield for comfort.

In stark contrast the Wallaroos made the ball constantly available, support was always on hand, recycling mirrored the efficiency of Black Ferns and Red Roses. The effect was to bring impartial Canadian fans, waiting patiently to see their Maple Leafs appear later, jump to their feet in admiration.

In the longer term, the outlook is worrying for the USA. Their side is made up of players who shine in the Prem 15s (aka PWR), such as Zackary, Clapp and Johnson; the others compete in an eight- club league at home which entails long-distance travel without the compensation of high-quality rugby.

We still can’t tell why a permanent replacement for Rob Cain has not been appointed. Rich Ashfield stepped in on an interim basis at the start of the year. What is going on? Have there been no applicants? Is the board still assessing whether Ashfield is up to the task? He followed Exeter Chiefs’ policy of putting Kate Zackary in the No 13 shirt. Trouble was, he needed her at No 8 at the same time. No can do.

Result: Australia 58 USA 17 Teams:

Australia

Bree-Anna Cheatham, Adiana Talakai, Eva Karpani, Michaela Leonard (captain), Kaitlin Leaney, Ashley Marsters, Grace Hamilton, Emily Chancellor, Layne Morgan, Arabella McKenzie, Cecilia Smith, Georgina Friedrichs, Ivanaia Wong, Maya Stewart, Lori Cramer

Bench: Tania Naden, Emily Robinson, Bridie O’Gorman, Sera Naiqama, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Jasmin Huriwai, Trilleen Pomare, Alana Elisaia,

USA

Catherine Benson, Kathryn Treder, Keia Mae Sagapolu, Evelyn Ashenbricker, Hallie Taufoou, Freda Tafuna, Georgia Perris-Redding, Rachel Johnson, Taina Tukuafu, McKenzie Hawkins, Lotte Clapp, Eti Haungatau, Kate Zackary, Jennine Detiveaux, Tess Feury

Bench: Jett Hayward, Charli Jacoby, Mona Tupou, Rachel Ehrecke, Tahlia Brody, Carly Waters, Nana Fa’avesi, Meya Bizer

Officials
Referee: Julianne Zussman (Can)
ARs: Shanda Assmus (Can) and Kristine Lovatt (Can) TMO: Andrew Hosie (Can)

Australia

Bree-Anna Cheatham, Adiana Talakai, Eva Karpani, Michaela Leonard (captain), Kaitlin Leaney, Ashley Marsters, Grace Hamilton, Emily Chancellor, Layne Morgan, Arabella McKenzie, Cecilia Smith, Georgina Friedrichs, Ivanaia Wong, Maya Stewart, Lori Cramer, Tania Naden, Emily Robinson, Bridie O’Gorman, Sera Naiqama, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Jasmin Huriwai, Trilleen Pomare, Alana Elisaia, Annabelle Codey, Carys Dallinger, Desiree Miller, Faitala Moleka, Leilani Nathan, Madison Schuck, Siokapesi Palu

Canada

Alexandria Ellis, Barrhaven Scottish / Saracens, Ashlynn Smith,  University of Calgary, Courtney Holtkamp, Red Deer Titans Rugby, Daleaka Menin, Exeter Chiefs, Emily Tuttosi, Calgary Hornets / Exeter Chiefs, Emma Taylor, Halifax RFC, Fabiola Forteza, Club de rugby de Québec / Stade Bordelais, Gabrielle Senft, Castaway Wanderers / Exeter Chiefs, Gillian Boag, Capilano RFC,
Laetitia Royer, St-Anne-de-Bellevue / ASM Romagnat, McKinley Hunt, Aurora Barbarians, Mya Brubacher, Kingston Panthers / Queen’s University, Olivia DeMerchant, Halifax Tars RFC, Sara Cline, Leprechaun Tigers, Sara Svoboda, Brantford Harlequins / Belleville Bulldogs / Loughborough Lightning, Sophie de Goede, Castaway Wanderers RFC, Tyson Beukeboom, Cowichan RFC / Ealing Trailfinders, Alysha Corrigan, CRFC, Claire Gallagher, Aurora Barbarians / University of Ottawa, Fancy Bermudez, Nor’Wester Athletic Association / Westshore RFC, Florence Symonds, University of British Columbia, Julia Schell, Castaway Wanderers / Ealing, Justine Pelletier, Club de rugby de Québec / Stade Bordelais, Madison Grant, Cornwall Claymores, Olivia Apps, Lindsay RFC, Paige Farries, Westshore RFC / Worcester Warriors, Sabrina Poulin, TMRRFC / Eibar Rugby Taldea, Sara Kaljuvee, Toronto Scottish / Westshore RFC, Sarah-Maude Lachance, Club de rugby de Québec / Lons Section Paloise, Shoshanah Seumanutafa, University of British Columbia

New Zealand

Georgia Ponsonby, Grace Gago, Luka Connor, Kate Henwood, Krystal Murray, Philippa Love, Amy Rule, Esther Faiaoga-Tilo, Tanya Kalounivale, Chelsea Bremner, Joanah Ngan-Woo, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Alana Bremner, Kendra Reynolds, Kennedy Simon (co-capt), Liana Mikaele Tu’u, Lucy Jenkins, Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu, Iritana Hohaia, Rosie Kelly, Ruahei Demant (co-capt), Amy du Plessis, Grace Brooker, Kelsey Teneti, Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai’i (Sylvia) Brunt, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Mererangi Paul, Renee Holmes, Tenika Willison

NB Ayesha Leti-I’iga is a late withdrawal through injury (replaced by Grace Steinmetz)

USA

Catherine Benson, Sale Sharks, Carly Waters, Sale Shatks, Boulou Mataitoga, Loughborough Lightning, Rachel Ehrecke, DMP, Olivia Ortiz, DMP, Hope Rogers, Exeter Chiefs, Rachel Johnson,
Exeter Chiefs, Alycia Washington, Sale Sharks, Tahlia Brody, Leicester Tigers, Georgia Perris-Redding, Sale Sharks, Tess Feury, Leicester Tigers, Hallie Taufoou, Beantown, Erica Jarrell, Beantown, Kristin Bitter, Dartmouth College, Lotte Clapp, Saracens, Tiara A’au, New York RFC, Taina Tukuafu, Lindenwood University, Evelyn Ashebnbricker, Berkeley, Summer Harris-Jones, USA 7s, Jett Hayward, Life West, Kthryn treder, DMP, Paluvava’u Freda Tafuna, Lindenwood University, Emily Henrich, Dartmouth College, Eti Haungatau, Sale, Jennine Detiveaux, Exeter, Charli Jacoby, Exeter, McKenzie Hawkins, Colorado Greywolves, Kate Zackary, Exeter, Joanne Fa’avesi, USA 7s, Keia Mae Sagapolu, Central Washington University

Another attendance record is to be set. The Maple Leafs v Black Ferns clash on 8 July has already attracted 7,500 spectators, a new Canadian best.

Fixtures

8 July Australia v USA
9 July Canada v NZ
14 July NZ v USA
15 Canada v Australia