New Zealand Black Ferns Roar Into Semi Final   29 Aug 2010

Michael Hinds

RUGBY: The New Zealand Black Ferns made it three wins from three in their pool when beating a gutsy Welsh side 41-8 in Guilford’s Surrey Park today. In doing so they qualified for the semi finals, their opponent’s being France on Wednesday 1st September (Thursday am NZ time).

Playing a Welsh side with nothing to lose going into the match, the Black Ferns faced some tenacious defence and good ball skills from their opposites, keeping the Welsh in the game until half time where they only trailed 17-8. The first half contained something for everyone, fast paced, four tries, big tackling, two yellow cards and some exquisite back lines moves capped off with two tries from flying fullback Kelly Brazier and first five Rebecca Mahoney. A determined and proud Welsh side however would not to lie down and also produced some fines pieces of play, especially when their forwards rumbled their way up the touchline before spinning the ball left to right winger Caryl James who dotted down on 38 minutes much to the jubilation of the home fans and the players in red.

The opening 11 minutes of the second half was where the match was won for the Black Ferns. They came out of the changing rooms fired up and focused, scoring three tries in the first 11 mins to Kelly Brazier, captain Victoria Grant and opposite winger Halie Hurring putting the match effectively to bed. At 34-8 and still half an hour to play, one could have been forgiven for thinking that the floodgates were about to open, but to Wales’ credit, they dug deep and managed to play some attractive rugby - when they managed to get their hands on the ball.

A period of play from the 60th – 67th minute saw a Welsh side who really took it to New Zealand, hammering away at their try line. Coach Brain Evans would have been delighted to see his team holding out for long periods of time as this sort of defence will be required come the knock out stages, "There is a heap to work on, it was pretty frustrating at times. There were some great tries though so fair play to the ladies. "Our try scoring ability is awesome, our players certainly know their way to the try line. They strung some really good movements together and I think for the ladies game it is good, I hope the crowd enjoyed it."

Ringing the reserve bench out caused some momentum loss for both sides however not all was lost as this ensured for New Zealand in particular, that all players are match fit and practised, and any potential injuries could be monitored as early as possible.

Fine performances by centre Trisha Hina who terrified the Welsh midfield with her “battering ram” runs, nuggety half back Kendra Cocksedge who was elusive all day in and around the base of the scrum and ruck, and industrious Winger and captain for the day Victoria Grant looking for work at all times, all supported well by a team with a mission in mind.

"Our goal is just to be in the semi finals, it doesn't really matter who we play. I think we had quite a tough pool, but I think the tougher games are better for us. Even if we are seeded second or third it doesn't bother us at all." Reported match captain Victoria Grant who now turns her attention to Wednesday’s sudden death semi final against France.

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