Wallaroos Feel Full Force Of Black Ferns As Losing Streak Stretches To 29 Tests

The Wallaroos threw their champion changeable astatine nan Black Ferns earlier succumbing 37-12 successful a nonaccomplishment compounded by an wounded to skipper Siokapesi Palu.

New Zealand winger Portia Woodman-Wickliffe scored 3 tries connected her 34th birthday, her first aft conscionable 50 seconds successful an ominous commencement connected Saturday successful Wellington.

But nan visitors fired correct back, Charlotte Caslick scoring pinch her first touch arsenic nan Wallaroos went blow-for-blow successful nan first 30 minutes.

Hard-running flanker Palu limped disconnected aft her ft was trapped nether a heap of bodies holding up a Black Ferns try, while Caslick was besides limping astatine full-time aft falling awkwardly successful a tackle.

The Black Ferns led 10-7 astatine half-time, past deed apical gear, erstwhile sevens prima Jorja Miller’s sensational solo effort a item arsenic they improved their grounds against Australia to a singular 29-0 since their first gathering successful 1994.

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe of New Zealand scores her 2nd try. Photograph: Phil Walter/Getty Images

It was nan Black Ferns’ last crippled connected location ungraded earlier August’s World Cup, whereas nan Wallaroos will play Wales successful Brisbane and Sydney earlier departing.

“It’s conscionable building unit and ... that self-belief is what we needed,” said Palu, who was wearing a satellite footwear connected her correct ft post-game.

“Definitely a batch of positives successful that first half to show that we tin enactment successful it. It’s conscionable now trying to clasp that retired for 80 minutes.”

17-year-old debutant Waiaria Ellis and chap winger Desiree Miller were some enterprising, while No 10 Tia Hinds kicked good successful tricky Wellington conditions.

Lydia Kavoa scored nan Wallaroos’ consolation effort successful nan last moments, immoderate uncommon joyousness aft they had kept New Zealand’s clip successful their attacking 22 metre area to conscionable 5 seconds successful nan first 30 minutes.

“We were not objective capable [in nan first half] ... in installments to Australia they really tested us,” New Zealand skipper Alana Bremner said.

“I do [think we’re fresh for nan World Cup]. The soul title is amazing, it grows and grows and we’re pushing.”