A new-look New Zealand side began their preparations for hosting the women’s World Cup by coming from behind for a hard-fought 23-10 victory over Australia in the Pacific Four tournament at a rain-soaked Tauranga Domain on Monday.
The Black Ferns, featuring seven new caps, scored four unanswered tries from the 32nd minute to overhaul the Wallaroos, who they will meet again in their opening match of the World Cup at Eden Park on Oct. 8.
Australia, who have never beaten New Zealand, dominated the opening half an hour and took a 10-0 lead on the back of a 12th minute try from prop Liz Patu and a Lori Cramer penalty.
Conditions made it difficult for New Zealand’s backline to get involved but the Black Ferns made the most of it when they did finally get into the Australia half and winger Ayesha Leti-I’iga scored in the corner.
The Wallaroos pack continue to impress but a new front row brought on early in the second half by the Black Ferns shifted the momentum decisively.
Flanker Alana Bremner crashed over from close range after 50 minutes to level up the scores at 10-10 and four minutes later number eight Kaipo Olsen-Baker came off the back of an attacking scrum and barged past four tacklers to touch down.
New Zealand were now clearly on top but it was not until the fulltime hooter had sounded that the outstanding Leti-I’iga got over for her second try.
The Black Ferns have won five World Cups and would have been strong favourites to retain the title had the global showpiece taken place last year as scheduled.
Heavy defeats against fast-improving England and France in Europe late last year, however, had alarm bells ringing.
Wayne Smith and Graham Henry, who guided the All Blacks to a men’s World Cup triumph on home soil in 2011, were brought in to the Blacks Ferns coaching team and the squad was overhauled for the Pacific Four tournament.
Canada earlier beat the United States 36-5 in the opening match of the tournament.
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