The New Zealand Black Ferns will take on the USA Women’s Rugby Team in the final match of the Pacific Four Series at 11:35 p.m. ET on May 23 at North Harbour Stadium in New Zealand. Coverage on FloRugby begins at 11:25 p.m.
The match wraps up the loaded Pacific Four Series that features four teams ranked in the top 10 of the current World Rugby rankings, including No. 2 Canada and No. 3 New Zealand.
Philip Bendon, FloRugby senior analyst, spoke with FloRugby for a deep dive on what will be one of the most watched matches of the showcase: USA and New Zealand.
USA Rugby’s Challenge Against New Zealand
The No. 9 USA Women’s Rugby Team faces an uphill battle against the No. 2 Black Ferns, having not beaten them since 1991. With losses to both Australia and Canada in the Pacific Four Series, the Eagles will need to dig deep to challenge the No. 3 ranked Black Ferns.
Bendon acknowledged that the USA would be facing a tough challenge. “I think it’s going to be a big ask.
However, he also pointed out that the USA has shown improvement over the course of the tournament, particularly after a solid performance against Australia, despite a red card to Alev Kelter.
“I think the biggest thing that the Eagles should really be aiming for sort of an improvement on where they were against Australia,” Bendon said. “They played pretty well, and then obviously had that red card to Alev and that really cost them a lot.
“So I think realistically, if they can get close to the Black Ferns that would be a pretty good result as far as I’m concerned with where they are at the moment in their development. But I do think they are trending the right way generally, but I just think it’s a big ask.”
Key Players for the USA Rugby Rugby vs. Black Ferns
While the USA squad has struggled in the Pacific Four Series, they have standout players like Ilona Maher and Hope Rogers, who provide experience and leadership on the field. Maher, despite being relatively new to the 15s format, brings extensive Rugby 7’s experience to the team, which Bendon believes will be valuable.
“Ilona doesn’t have masses of international 15-side experience, but she’s obviously been at the highest level in sevens, Bendon said of the the star of the US’s Olympic bronze Rugby 7 team. “I think just from her mentality standpoint, that’ll transfer over quite nicely.”
Bendon also praised the USA’s mix of experience and youth in key positions, noting that players like Mackenzie Hawkins have potential but need more international exposure to reach their full capability.
“I think, ultimately, my biggest thing with the US, is getting as many match minutes as possible before the World Cup,” Bendon said. “ I think Sione Fukofuka, the head coach, is starting to get a much better idea of who his ideal 23 is.
“So I think, outside of sort Ilona and the back row, they could probably deal with a bit more experience and (Hope Rogers) also … obviously, she broke the caps records, I think I’ve got a nice balance already (of youth and experience).”
Black Ferns’ Motivation After Draw with Canada
The Black Ferns are coming off a 27-27 draw against No. 2 Canada in a thrilling contest that saw both teams ratchet-up intensity. Despite the draw, the Black Ferns are eager to continue their momentum and close the gap on the top-ranked teams.
“I think they’ll come in pretty ready to play,” Bendon said. “When you come off a fixture like that, there can be a bit of doubt, but I think the fact that they didn’t get away with a big win over Canada, they’ll still be quite hungry for progression.”
Bendon believes the Black Ferns will approach the USA game with renewed energy, aiming to bounce back and assert their dominance on the field. He also said the Black Ferns are focused on building up for the World Cup.
Black Ferns Are Blending Experience with Youth
The Black Ferns have long been known for their ability to blend seasoned veterans with young talent, and this year’s squad is no exception. Players like Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, one of the greatest women’s rugby players of all time, provide leadership and skill, while younger stars like 18-year-old Braxton Sorenson-McGee bring fresh energy to the team.
“It’s such a Kiwi process,” Bendon said. “They always manage to sprinkle in one or two incredibly talented young stars. Even in the men’s team. It’s nice having that balance in a squad.”
Bendon also added that it reminds him of another international squad: The United States.
“I think the US aren’t too far off in terms of their balance of sort of experience and youth,” he said. “But you see the Kwis and do it for the extreme. You have a really, really extreme player, and then you have a brand new player in the gym to balance really well.
For Bendon, the Black Ferns’ mix of experienced leaders and exciting newcomers is one of the reasons they remain one of the strongest teams in women’s rugby.
What’s at Stake For The Black Ferns, USA Rugby
The Pacific Four finale holds significant importance for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming Rugby World Cup.
For the USA, it’s a chance to measure themselves against one of the world’s top teams and gauge their readiness for the global stage. For New Zealand, the match offers an opportunity to fine-tune their performance and continue their build-up to the World Cup.
“So I think (The Pacific Four) has been massive,” Bendon said. “I think it’s such a great initiative to have their season and I would argue it’s totally the strongest women’s competition outside of the World Cup, even including the Six Nations. England are just sort of a good step ahead of everybody else (in the Women’s Six Nations), whereas in the Pacific Four, I’ve been arguing all four teams can win matches (at the Rugby World Cup), which is crucial.”
Looking Ahead: The Women’s Rugby World Cup
While No. 1 England remains the favorite to claim the Women’s Rugby World Cup title, the Black Ferns and Canada are both strong contenders. The Black Ferns are looking to build on their recent performances and close the gap on England. Bendon believes that the psychological aspect of the World Cup will play a key role, and New Zealand’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations makes them a serious threat.
For rugby fans, the Pacific Four finale offers an exciting conclusion to a competitive series and a thrilling preview of what’s to come in the World Cup. As both teams look to build momentum and sharpen their game, this match is sure to be an action-packed spectacle that highlights the best of women’s rugby.
All Matches Between USA Women’s Rugby and New Zealand Black Ferns With ScoresMay 11, 2024Black Ferns win 57-5Hamilton (Home)Pacific Four SeriesJuly 14, 2023Black Ferns win 39-17Ottawa (Neutral)Pacific Four SeriesJune 18, 2022Black Ferns win 50-6Whangarei (Home)Pacific Four SeriesJuly 2, 2019Black Ferns win 33-0San Diego (Away)Women’s Rugby Super SeriesNovember 3, 201867-6Chicago (Away)New Zealand in United States and FranceAugust 22, 2017Black Ferns win 45-12Belfast (Neutral)2017 World CupJuly 5, 2015Black Ferns win 47-14Edmonton (Neutral)Super Series in CanadaAugust 17, 2014Black Ferns win 55-5Paris (Neutral)2014 World CupAugust 9, 2014Black Ferns win 34-3Marcoussis (Neutral)2014 World CupJune 13, 2004Black Ferns win 35-0Calgary (Neutral)Tournament in CanadaSeptember 27, 2000Black Ferns win 45-0Winnipeg (Neutral)Tournament in CanadaOctober 19, 1999Black Ferns win 65-5Palmerston North (Home)Tournament in New ZealandMay 16, 1998Black Ferns win 44-12Amsterdam (Neutral)1998 World CupSeptember 11, 1996Black Ferns win 86-8Edmonton (Neutral)Tournament in CanadaApril 12, 1991USA Eagles win 7-0Cardiff (Neutral)1991 World CupBlack Ferns vs. USA Women’s Rugby Kickoff Time, Date
Coverage of the match begins at 11:35 p.m. ET from North Harbour Stadium in North Harbour, New Zealand.
How To Watch Black Ferns Vs. USA Women’s Rugby
World Rugby Women’s RankingsEngland – 97.56Canada – 89.31New Zealand – 89.01France – 85.92Ireland – 78.78Australia – 77.73Scotland – 76.56Italy – 75.23USA – 72.20Wales – 70.81Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Groups
Pool A
Pool B
Pool C
New ZealandIrelandJapanSpain
Pool D
FranceItalySouth AfricaBrazilNew Zealand Black Ferns FixturesUSA Women’s Rugby FixturesFriday, May 23 – 10:35 p.m. ET – Black Ferns vs. USA WomenSaturday, July 19 – 5 p.m. ET – USA Women vs. Fiji WomenFriday, August 1 – 6 p.m. ET – Canada Women vs. USA WomenFriday, August 22 – 1:30 p.m. ET – England Women vs. USA WomenSaturday, August 30 – 1:30 p.m. ET – USA Women vs. WallaroosSaturday, September 6 – 7:30 a.m. ET – USA Women vs. Samoa WomenHow To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby
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