Newcastle, Australia – The Black Ferns have once again proven their dominance in women's rugby by defeating the Wallaroos 38-12 at Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium on May 10, 2025, thereby retaining the coveted Laurie O’Reilly Cup. This match showcased not only the skill of the New Zealand team but also marked a significant improvement in the performance of the Australian side, who have been working hard to close the gap on their trans-Tasman rivals.
The Black Ferns started strong, racing to a commanding 19-0 lead by halftime. Winger Ayesha Leti-I’iga was the standout performer for the Kiwis, scoring two tries in the first half. Her first came in the 12th minute, slicing through the Wallaroos’ defense after catching them napping at the breakdown. Just 13 minutes later, she repeated the feat, showcasing her speed and agility to extend New Zealand's lead.
Another highlight of the match was the debut of 18-year-old Braxton Sorensen-McGee, who celebrated her first appearance for the Black Ferns with a try just before halftime. After a long pass from halfback Maia Joseph, Sorensen-McGee managed to dive over the line, maintaining control of the ball despite a near fumble. Her performance earned her the Player of the Match title, a testament to her potential and skill.
The Black Ferns continued their momentum into the second half, with prop Chryss Viliko scoring shortly after the break. However, the Wallaroos were determined to fight back. They showcased their growth by scoring two tries, with Eva Karpani and Ashley Marsters each crossing the line, providing a glimmer of hope for the home fans. Karpani's try marked the Wallaroos' first points against the Black Ferns on home soil since 2022, highlighting the progress the team has made.
Despite the Wallaroos' efforts, the Black Ferns proved too strong as they sealed the match with a late try from Sylvia Brunt. Sorensen-McGee capped off her debut with a second try in the final minute, further solidifying New Zealand's victory. The final score stood at 38-12, extending New Zealand's unbeaten streak against Australia to 28 matches.
“It was a tough battle, probably a little bit left out there, but for our girls it’s just about learning from this game and taking it into next week,” said Black Ferns coach. The team will now turn their focus to their upcoming match against Canada in Christchurch, scheduled for May 17, 2025.
While the Black Ferns celebrated their victory, the Wallaroos also found positives in their performance. Coach Jo Yapp noted several encouraging signs, stating, “This was a vastly improved performance compared to last year’s 62-0 defeat.” The team has shown exponential growth, and despite the loss, they are building a competitive foundation.
The match statistics reflected a mixed performance for both teams. The Black Ferns had a 55% success rate at the lineout, a statistic that raised concerns as they struggled with wayward throws throughout the match. The Wallaroos, on the other hand, demonstrated resilience, especially in the second half, where they managed to score two tries and put pressure on the Black Ferns.
Looking ahead, the Black Ferns are gearing up for the next Women's Rugby World Cup, where they will aim to defend their title. The team, which famously won the last World Cup by defeating England in a thrilling final, is expected to be a strong contender again. With the likes of Ruahei Demant, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, and Sylvia Brunt in their ranks, they will be looking to leverage their experience and skill in the upcoming tournaments.
The Black Ferns' victory against the Wallaroos was not just about the scoreline; it was a statement of intent as they prepare for the challenges ahead. With new talent like Sorensen-McGee emerging and a solid foundation of experienced players, the future looks bright for New Zealand rugby.
As for the Wallaroos, the road ahead will require continued development and refinement. The integration of players from the HSBC SVNS Series, such as Charlotte Caslick and Tia Hinds, has injected fresh energy into the squad. Their performance against the Black Ferns, although resulting in a loss, has provided valuable lessons that they can build upon.
In conclusion, while the Black Ferns celebrated their victory and retained the Laurie O’Reilly Cup, the Wallaroos demonstrated that they are on an upward trajectory. With hard work and determination, both teams are setting the stage for an exciting future in women's rugby.
