Black Ferns thrash Wallaroos

TVNZ.co.nz - Wednesday, October 15, 2008 12:11 PM

THE New Zealand women's rugby team have proven far too strong for their Australian counterparts in the first Test at Viking Park, running out 37-3 victors on Tuesday night.

Scoring five tries, including three in the first half, the Black Ferns stretched their unbeaten record against Australia in women's internationals to nine since the first Trans-Tasman contest in 1994.

The result was a disappointment for the Wallaroos, who headed into the match buoyed by the recent success of the Australian women's sevens team which downed New Zealand in the Oceania tournament in Samoa three months ago.

During the opening 20 minutes, there were promising signs for the Wallaroos as they dominated possession and territory.

Their inability to mount points scorched them later as the Black Ferns gradually took ascendancy in the forwards and capitalised on a greater share of the ball.

By halftime the Kiwis had opened a lead of 19-3.

They extended the advantage with a penalty goal early in the second half and, as the Black Ferns set piece took control, a further two tries gave the New Zealanders a convincing final margin.

Australia's only points came from the boot of five-eighth Alana Thomas, who landed a first half penalty goal.

The Test was the first for the Wallaroos on home soil since a series against England in 2001 and the first in Australia against the Black Ferns since 1998.

The second game in the series will be played at Viking Park on Saturday.