Wallaroos fall to Black Ferns

ARU Media Release

Saturday, 20 October 2007

Wallaroos fall to Black Ferns in Wellington

New Zealand’s Black Ferns have edged out Australia’s Wallaroos 29-12 in the second Test to win the Laurie O'Reilly Memorial Trophy in Wellington today.

Played in wet, windy conditions at Poruira Park the World Champion Black Ferns sealed a two-nil series win over Australia thanks to a hat-trick from winger Carla Hohepa and further tries to Victoria Blackledge and Linda Itunu.

The Australians points came through tries to hooker Silei Poluleuligaga and fullback Tobie McGann, with Alana Thomas slotting a conversion.

McGann’s try elevates her to the top of Australia’s leading point scorers with 39 career points.

Coach Steve Hamson said the improvement the squad has made since the Women’s Rugby World Cup last year had been the highlight of the tour.

“The team has come along way since last year and to compete with New Zealand at home for the majority of both Tests, shows how far we’ve come in a short time.”

“This tour has been great for the future development of all the players and we’re a lot stronger as a result.”

Best on ground for the Wallaroos were captain Cheryl Soon and Number 8 Tasileta Bethell.

New Zealand 29 (Carla Hohepa 3, Victoria Blackledge, Linda Itunu tries; Emma Jenson con, Claire Richardson con) defeated Australia 12 (Tobie McGann, Silei Poluleuligaga tries; Alana Thomas con)

HT: New Zealand 17-5

Porirua Park, Wellington.

New Zealand win series 2-0.

Australian Team

Lindsay Morgan
Silei Poluleuligaga
Vanessa Bradley
Alicia Frost
Chris Ross
Kim Wilson (vc)
Alex Hargreaves
Tasileta Bethell
Cheryl Soon (c)
Alana Thomas
Ruan Sims
Tui Ormsby
Lisa Fiaola
Trish Brown (vc)
Tobie McGann
 

Reserves

16. Louise Morrison

17. Kylie Pennell

18. Se’ei Sa’u

19. Rebecca Trethowan

20. Iliseva Batibasaga

21. Megan Valler

22. Cassandra Nunn

Coaches: Steve Hamson (Head) and John Manenti (Assistant)