The Black Ferns meet Canada in Kansas City this morning, the first encounter between the two since Canada snapped New Zealand’s Rugby World Cup defence last year.
Black Ferns hooker Georgia Ponsonby lay in bed earlier this week watching the replay of their 34-19 semifinal loss to the Canadians.
‘‘I guess you've kind of got to go back and see where you went wrong if we want to have a chance of winning this weekend,’’ Ponsonby said.
‘‘It was obviously a heartbreaking moment for us, but absolutely went back and reflected on it, saw where we can be better, saw where they won the game and [now we] move forward and really looking forward to coming up against them this weekend.’’
Black Ferns co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu said players who were at the World Cup had spoken about the heartbreaking loss, but were putting it behind them.
‘‘For this week we just wanted to prepare for this new era of our identity.
‘‘We’ve put a lot of focus of ourselves ... focusing on our discipline, but we still want to come out and be really physical, and let our girls do their thing.’’
Discipline was a big issue for the Black Ferns after three players were yellow carded in last week’s 48-15 victory against the United States — including Tanya Kalounivale, whose card was upgraded to a red.
That was later overturned and the prop has been cleared to play this morning in an unchanged Black Ferns side from last week.
The Black Ferns and Canada drew 27-27 in their Pacific Four clash last year before Canada secured the semifinal victory in England.
Canada, who are world No2, finished runners-up at the pinnacle event and continue to grow.
They are bolstered by the return of captain Alexandra Tessier — who missed their 24-0 victory against the Wallaroos last week — at second five and reigning World Rugby player of the year Sophie de Goede returns to the starting lineup at lock after coming off the bench last weekend.
Pacific Four
Kansas City, 10.15am
Black Ferns: Renee Holmes, Mereangi Paul, Amy du Plessis, Sylvia Brunt, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Ruahei Demant, Maia Joseph, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Kennedy Tukuafu, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Laura Bayfield, Maia Roos, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakelelu, Georgia Ponsonby, Chryss Viliko. Reserves: Vici-Rose Green, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Tanya Kalounivale, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Mia Anderson, Tara Turner, Hannah King, Justine McGregor.
Canada: Claire Gallagher, Asia Hogan- Rochester, Shoshanah Seumanutafa, Alexandra Tessier, Aurora Bowie, Taylor Perry, Justine Pelletier, Fabiola Forteza, Julia Omokhuale, Gabrielle Senft, Laetitia Royer, Sophie de Goede, DaLeaka Menin, Emily Tuttosi, Brittany Kassil. Reserves: Kiki Idowu, Maya Montiel, Cassandra Tuffnail, Rachel Smith, Pamphinette Buisa, Lizzie Gibson, Corinne Frechette, Chloe Daniels.
