Recap: Black Ferns romp past Australia in O’Reilly Cup test in Wellington
Saturday, 12 July 2025
The Black Ferns host Australia in an O’Reilly Cup match at Sky Stadium in Wellington on Saturday.
You can catch the action on Sky Sport 1 or follow live updates on Stuff.
The match is part of a double header with the All Blacks and kicks off at 4.30pm.
What to expect
The Black Ferns have never lost to Australia but this fixture will give World Cup hopefuls one final opportunity to stake their claim for selection before coach Allan Bunting finalises his 32-woman squad on July 25.
Teams
Black Ferns: Renee Holmes, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Stacey Waaka, Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai’i (Sylvia) Brunt, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Ruahei Demant (co-capt), Risaleaana Pouri-Lane, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Jorja Miller, Alana Bremner (co-capt), Chelsea Bremner, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Tanya Kalounivale, Georgia Ponsonby, Chryss Viliko. Reserves: Vici-Rose Green, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Amy Rule, Laura Bayfield, Layla Sae, Iritana Hohaia, Kelly Brazier, Ruby Tui.
Australia: Faitala Moleka, Waiaria Ellis, Charlotte Caslick, Trilleen Pomare, Desiree Miller, Tia Hinds, Layne Morgan, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Ashley Marsters, Siokapesi Palu (capt), Michaela Leonard, Kaitlan Leaney, Bridie O’Gorman, Tania Naden, Faliki Pohiva. Reserves: Adiana Talakai, Lydia Kavoa, Asoiva (Eva) Karpani, Annabelle Codey, Piper Duck, Emily Chancellor, Samantha Wood, Cecilia Smith.
Form
The Black Ferns won a trial against New Zealand XV 45-12 last weekend and remain unbeaten in 2025 after defeating the United States, Australia and drawing with Canada during the Pacific Four Series.
Players to watch
Ruby Tui (Black Ferns): The fan favourite has been given a World Cup lifeline, called into the squad as injury cover for Ayesha Leti-I’iga, who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Tui hasn’t featured for the Black Ferns this year but scored two tries against them in last weekend’s trial.
Waiaria Ellis (Australia): The teen sensation is set to become the second youngest debutante in Wallaroos history after being selected on the right wing at 17 years and 305 days. The pint-size winger has bolted into the World Cup frame following a breakthrough season with the Waratahs.
What they said
Allan Bunting (Black Ferns director of rugby): “I’ve seen Ruby [Tui] right through this journey and she gives her everything off the field and on the field. She’s been working really hard and for her to get this opportunity this weekend, she’s really earned it and deserved it.”
Waiaria Ellis (Australia winger): “They're a very strong side, so I'm actually very excited just to see how we go up against them. For my debut it's probably one of the best games to be playing in just because of the contest between Australia and New Zealand, the rivalry.”
History
The Black Ferns have won all 28 tests they have played against Australia including an emphatic 38-12 victory when they last met in the opening game of the Pacific Four Series in Newcastle in May.