Five things we learnt from Black Ferns - Wallaroos

Sat, Jul 12, 2025, 7:32 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson

The 37-12 scoreline probably doesn't reflect how hard the Wallaroos pushed the Black Ferns in Wellington.

The Aussies were more than in the contest, up 7-5 late in the first half, before a tidal wave of Kiwi attack proved unstoppable.

Watch every match of the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup live and on-demand via Stan Sport.

So what did we learn?

1. Wallaroos growth continues

The Wallaroos proved their improvements in Newcastle weren’t a one-off as they seriously tested the Kiwis in the first half.

Their pressure at the breakdown was a real point of difference, with several big turnovers that rattled the hosts, who failed to build any real pressure until the end of the first half.

Ultimately, when the Kiwis were on, the Aussies had no answer to their quality.

The set-piece continued to struggle against the power of the Kiwis, with a host of lineouts pinched.

It’s all great lessons for the side ahead of a big World Cup in England.

2. Centre stage

Charlotte Caslick proved you could play her anywhere and she’ll thrive, such is the class of the Sevens superstar.

Filling in at outside centre with no Georgina Friedrichs, Caslick scored with her first touch with a sublime looping line down the short side to expose some space and fight through the defence for the try.

Her defence was also excellent, with some of her best work the way she forced the Kiwis to make that extra pass when not needed.

She must start at the World Cup if fit, with a tackle late in the game leaving the centre in pain.

3. Portia power

It’s crazy to think Portia Woodman-Wickliffe was retired from international rugby months ago because she was one of the best for the Kiwis.

The winger was intent on celebrating her 34th in style and pierced through the Wallaroos at the start and end of the first half for a double, before completing the hat-trick after the break.

She was a threat whenever she touched the ball and worked excellently in tandem with fellow winger Katelyn Vaha’akolo.

The winger remains deadly as ever, fresh off a casual seven-try performance against the USA in the Pac Four finale.

4. Pesi concerns

The Wallaroos will be hoping Siokapesi Palu’s injury is nothing major after the skipper went off midway through the first half. 

Palu put her body on the line to stop a certain Black Ferns try and paid the price when she was twisted backwards in a nasty-looking incident.

She tried to fight through the pain but eventually succumbed, replaced by Piper Duck, coming back from her latest injury.

Palu’s influence is crucial for the Wallaroos, both on and off the field. She’s emerged as one of their best back-rowers whilst her leadership continues to evolve and impress.

5. Welcome to 15s Jorja

A special second-half try has formally announced Jorja Miller as a serious 15s threat.

Her breakdown work was amazing with a bunch of steals and great hits. But her second half try was the pick of her work.

Miller collected the ball from the goal-line dropout and powered through the Wallaroos' defence, beating some former Sevens rivals for a remarkable solo try.

It adds to the embarrassment of riches for the Kiwis as they look to defend their crown.

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