Black Ferns power past Wales Women

By Mark Stevens
16/10/22

Exeter Chiefs duo Robyn Wilkins and Abbie Fleming were used as late replacement as Wales Women suffered a heavy 51-7 defeat to hosts New Zealand in their latest Rugby World Cup fixture in Auckland.

Ioan Cunningham’s side - who opened up their Pool A campaign with a narrow victory over Scotland - were no match for the Black Ferns in this latest clash at the Waitakere Stadium.

The hosts dominated from the outset, racing into a 22-0 lead inside the opening 30 minutes.

Chelsea Bremner, Portia Woodman (2) and Sylvia Brunt all claimed tries, one of which was converted by Ruahei Demant.

Former Chiefs scrum-half Ffion Lewis cut the deficit on the stroke of half time with try, converted by Elinor Snowsill, but that would be their only bright spot on a tough day at the office.

After the break, Brunt added her second of the contest, before New Zealand wrapped up success with further scores from Crystal Murray and Demant.