Trans-Tasman nemesis New Zealand have consigned the Wallaroos to a dreaded third Pacific Four wooden spoon with an incredible 30th consecutive victory over Australia’s women’s rugby stars.
Once again proving too strong and too classy, the Black Ferns preserved their proud 32-year undefeated record against the Wallaroos with a never-in-doubt 40-5 win in Queensland on Saturday night.
Flanker Siokapesi Palu scored Australia’s lone try in a typically inspirational captain’s display.
Siokapesi Palu was Australia’s only try-scorer in a tough night for the Wallaroos. (Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)
New Zealand’s six-tries-to-one drubbing followed up the Wallaroos’ 24-0 loss to Canada and 33-12 defeat to the USA in the cut-throat round-robin tournament featuring four of women’s rugby’s top eight nations.
The Wallaroos had been hopeful of celebrating lock Michaela Leonard’s milestone 46th Test with a watershed win over the all-conquering Kiwis.
Instead, Leonard eclipsed prop Ashley Masters to become the most-capped Wallaroos player in history in an all-too-familiar loss to the Black Ferns, this time at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
Amy Du’Plessis opened the scoring for New Zealand in their comprehensive win in Queensland. (Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)
In interim coach Sam Needs’ final Test in charge before Rugby Australia names a permanent replacement after the series, the Wallaroos trailed 29-5 at the break.
First-half tries to centre Amy du Plessis and flanker Liana Mahutariki-Fakalelu, either side of a double to winger Ayesha Leti-I’iga, did the damage for New Zealand.
Lock Laura Bayfield and winger Justine McGregor completed the 45-point demolition job in the more competitive second half from the Wallaroos.