Wallaroos lift game but Black Ferns triumph again

Black Ferns prop Amy Rule charges at the Wallaroos defence during the opening game in the Pacific Four series in Newcastle on Saturday. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

The Black Ferns maintained their stranglehold over the Wallaroos to open the Pacific Four Series with a 38-12 victory over the hosts in Newcastle on Saturday.

Doubles to winger Ayesha Leti-l’iga and exciting teenage fullback Braxton Sorensen-McGee on debut, plus further five-pointers to prop Chryss Viliko and centre Sylvia Brunt, earned New Zealand their 28th victory from 28 tests against Australia.

But the Wallaroos will claim a moral win of sorts after dominating much of the second half at McDonald Jones Stadium and clearly narrowing the gap on the world champions.

"I’m really proud of our ladies," Black Ferns coach Allan Bunting said.

"We’ve only been together two weeks. Obviously we were a bit rusty but there was some real good stuff there we can build off.

"The Wallaroos have definitely improved."

The Black Ferns thumped the Wallaroos 62-0 in Brisbane in their most recent encounter.

On Saturday, the Wallaroos briefly threatened a famous triumph after pulling the deficit back to 26-12 with 15 minutes remaining through deserved second-half tries to front-rowers Eva Karpani and Ashley Masters.

Jo Yapp’s team were unfortunate to trail 26-0 at the break after officials missed a clear knock-on, before 18-year-old Sorenson-McGee’s first try was awarded in the 38th minute.

Adding to the Wallaroos’ frustration was a no-try ruling against Georgina Friedrichs after TV replays showed the classy centre had won the race to a brilliant chip kick from halfback Tia Hinds to touch down.

Sevens star Hinds was superb running the show for the Wallaroos, while lock Kaitlan Leaney was enormous, controlling the lineout and Australia’s effective rolling maul.

Bunting was delighted with Sorensen-McGee’s performance on debut.

"I’m proud of her.

"She’s been consistent right through Aupiki and into this, and we’ve had an eye on her for a couple of years now.

"For her to go out and be her was really special."

The tournament continues next Saturday with the Wallaroos facing the USA in Canberra, and the Black Ferns up against second-ranked Canada in Christchurch.