Pacific Four Series

Canada demolish Wallaroos in harsh World Cup reality check

Published

1 year ago

23rd May 2025

Krissy Scurfield of Canada reacts after scoring a try during the Pacific Four Test Series match between the Wallaroos and Canada at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Friday, May 23, 2025. (IMAGO / AAP)

Canada delivered a devastating reality check to the Wallaroos’ World Cup ambitions with a comprehensive 45-7 victory at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, exposing the gulf in class between the world’s second-ranked team and their sixth-ranked hosts in a thoroughly one-sided Pacific Four Series encounter.

Key moments:

4′ – McKinley Hunt rolls over from rolling maul after stolen lineout (0-7)
5′ – Julia Schell converts (0-7)
11′ – Karen Paquin scores after Menin break (0-14)
19′ – Schell finishes slick backline move (0-21)
42′ – Laetitia Royer crosses on stroke of half-time (0-26)
45′ – Desiree Miller scores Australia’s only try (7-26)
48′ – Krissy Scurfield responds immediately for Canada (7-31)
52′ – Alex Tessier extends margin past 30 points (7-38)
72′ – Fabiola Forteza completes the rout (7-45)

From the opening whistle, the defending Pacific Four champions imposed themselves with ruthless efficiency, turning Australia’s set-piece weaknesses into a procession of tries that left the home side chasing shadows throughout a chastening evening under the Brisbane lights.

FULL-TIME🍁🦘

Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team wins 45-7 over Australia in Brisbane🇨🇦

🏉Scorers: McKinley Hunt (1T), Karen Paquin (1T), Laetitia Royer (1T), Krissy Scurfield (1T), Alex Tessier (1T), Fabiola Forteza (1T), Julia Schell (1T, 5C)#RugbyCA | #OneSquad pic.twitter.com/YyGFgCBH7S

— Rugby Canada (@RugbyCanada) May 23, 2025

The nightmare began within three minutes when Canada capitalised on the first of seven stolen Wallaroos lineouts. After regathering the kick-off that bounced awkwardly for the hosts, the visitors immediately targeted Australia’s aerial ball, with prop McKinley Hunt rolling over at the back of a 30-metre rolling maul to open the scoring. Schell’s conversion from in front gave the visitors the perfect start at 7-0.

The early score set the tone for a first half that became increasingly difficult viewing for Australian supporters. With halfback Olivia Apps orchestrating proceedings with crisp service, Canada’s forward pack systematically dismantled their hosts’ defensive structure. The second try arrived in the 11th minute following a moment of individual brilliance from tighthead prop DaLeaka Menin, whose powerful surge through loose Wallaroos defence created space for flanker Karen Paquin to stroll over untouched.

Schell’s conversion extended the lead to 14-0, but worse was to follow for Jo Yapp’s side. Another stolen lineout gifted Canada prime attacking position, and this time their backs capitalised with devastating effect. The visitors executed a sumptuous first-phase move from scrum base, with Schell the beneficiary of inch-perfect handling to race over in the right corner. The fullback’s successful conversion from the touchline pushed the margin to 21-0 after just 19 minutes.

The Wallaroos’ attempts to mount a response were repeatedly thwarted by their own errors and Canada’s suffocating defence. Sevens convert Charlotte Caslick, making her first start at inside centre after impressing on the wing against the USA, provided the most threatening moments for the hosts with her characteristic darting runs, but lacked the supporting cast to capitalise on the half-gaps she created.

Canada’s dominance reached its nadir on the stroke of half-time when lock Laetitia Royer crossed for the visitors’ fourth try after Australia were penalised at the breakdown. The bonus-point score, combined with Schell’s fourth successful conversion, left the hosts facing a mountain at 26-0 heading into the interval.

The second half began with renewed Australian vigour as coach Yapp rang the changes, introducing fresh legs in the pack. Replacement hooker Adiana Talakai appeared to have provided immediate impact with a try from a short-side raid, but the TMO’s intervention for a knock-on in the build-up denied the hosts their breakthrough moment.

Australia’s persistence finally yielded reward in the 45th minute when winger Desiree Miller showcased her finishing ability. Following excellent work from centre Georgina Friedrichs, who bent the Canadian defensive line with a strong carry, Miller broke the first tackle and powered through two more defenders to plant the ball over the line. Moleka’s conversion reduced the deficit to 26-7, offering fleeting hope of an unlikely comeback.

That optimism lasted precisely three minutes. Canada’s response was swift and clinical, with Apps’ slick distribution creating space on the left flank for winger Krissy Scurfield to dive over in the corner. The visitors’ class was undeniable, combining power and precision as they extended their lead to 31-7.

Any lingering Australian hopes were extinguished seven minutes later when captain Alex Tessier demonstrated her experience and skill. The veteran centre stepped back inside the Wallaroos’ defence following another forward-driven break, banking the visitors’ sixth try to push the margin beyond 30 points at 38-7.

Canada completed their emphatic victory with nine minutes remaining when Fabiola Forteza powered over from close range, the eighth-man’s try capping a dominant display from the visitors’ pack. Schell’s fifth successful conversion brought up the final score of 45-7, completing a performance that left no doubt about the respective teams’ World Cup credentials.

The statistics painted a sobering picture for the Wallaroos. Beyond the seven lost lineouts and two lost scrums, Australia managed just 115 carries to Canada’s 128, four line breaks to their opponents’ 12, and were outmuscled at the breakdown throughout. Most concerning was their inability to convert territorial advantage into points during the rare occasions they breached Canadian territory.

For Canada, the victory represented the perfect response to their 27-27 draw with world champions New Zealand the previous week. Captain Tessier, who crossed for one of the seven tries, reflected on a performance that showcased her team’s World Cup credentials. The forwards, marshalled expertly by Apps, dominated every facet of set-piece play, while the backs executed with the precision of a team growing in confidence and cohesion.

Wallaroos captain Siokapesi Palu acknowledged the harsh lessons learned, admitting her side needed to address their set-piece frailties before the World Cup. The flanker, one of the few Australian performers to emerge with credit, secured crucial turnovers early in the contest that prevented an even more comprehensive defeat.

The result leaves Canada atop the Pacific Four Series standings with eight points from their unbeaten campaign, awaiting the outcome of New Zealand’s clash with the USA to determine whether they retain their title. For Australia, the defeat extends their winless record against Canada to 0-7 in Test rugby and provides a stark reminder of the work required before their World Cup campaign begins against Samoa on August 23.

With matches against New Zealand in Wellington and Wales at home still to come, the Wallaroos have precious little time to address the fundamental flaws so ruthlessly exposed by a Canadian side that appears primed for a serious World Cup challenge in England this August.

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Pacific Four Series

Australia 5–40 New Zealand – Women’s Pacific Four Series 2026

Published

5 months ago

25th April 2026

rugbyisthegame

Australia 5–40 New Zealand – Women’s Pacific Four Series 2026

Black Ferns Ayesha Leti-I’iga and Kaipo Olsen-Baker celebrate during Black Ferns v Australia, ANZAC Day Test, Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast, Australia, Saturday, 25 April 2026. (Photo by Pat Hoelscher / action press)

The Black Ferns clinched the 2026 Pacific Four Series title and retained the O’Reilly Cup with a dominant 40–5 victory over Australia in wet conditions on the Sunshine Coast, with Ayesha Leti-I’iga scoring twice in a historic ANZAC Day clash.

Key moments

4 mins – TRY NEW ZEALAND: The Black Ferns strike inside the opening minutes after sustained pressure. Ruahei Demant plugs the corner, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u secures the lineout, and the maul drives forward before Sylvia Brunt sends Amy du Plessis through a massive gap to score under the posts. Renee Holmes converts. (Australia 0–7 New Zealand)

15 mins – TRY RULED OUT NEW ZEALAND: Kaipo Olsen-Baker crashes over from close range after a strong scrum, but the TMO spots a forward pass from Demant in the build-up. Australia scrum inside their 22.

23 mins – TRY AUSTRALIA: The Wallaroos catch New Zealand napping with a quick-thinking lineout play. After Olsen-Baker concedes a penalty and is marched 10m for throwing the ball away, Australia drive instantly from the front of the lineout before Siokapesi Palu peels away and dives over in the corner. Samantha Wood misses the conversion. (Australia 5–7 New Zealand)

26 mins – TRY NEW ZEALAND: The Black Ferns waste no time responding. Demant sums it up beautifully, stabbing a perfectly weighted grubber to the left corner where Ayesha Leti-I’iga leads the race, getting a room-service bounce to dive over. Holmes converts. (Australia 5–14 New Zealand)

28 mins – 50-22 NEW ZEALAND: Maia Joseph sends a banger of a kick off the scrum that finds touch 10m out on the bounce, setting up another attacking platform.

36 mins – TRY NEW ZEALAND: Leti-I’iga has her second after a brilliant counterattack. Maya Stewart knocks on for Australia, Wood kicks high but Holmes counters down the left, linking with du Plessis who draws the final defender before releasing Leti-I’iga to stroll over. Holmes converts. (Australia 5–21 New Zealand)

Half-time: Australia 5–21 New Zealand. New Zealand headed into the sheds with a 16-point lead after showing flashes of real class. They struck early through du Plessis and responded to Australia’s only try with ruthless efficiency. The Wallaroos found their moment through Palu’s try, but handling errors in the wet conditions cost them further opportunities.

42 mins – TRY NEW ZEALAND: The Black Ferns extend their lead immediately after the restart. After 11 phases of non-stop attack, Joseph holds the ball at the base before releasing late to Demant, who hits Brunt on a hard unders line. Olsen-Baker carries next before Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu crashes over from a short ball. Holmes converts. (Australia 5–28 New Zealand)

55 mins – TRY NEW ZEALAND: Justine McGregor scores her first Test try after relentless pressure inside the 22. Demant crashes forward in midfield before Olsen-Baker goes close, with slick hands from Holmes sending McGregor over untouched in the corner. Holmes misses the conversion. (Australia 5–33 New Zealand)

62 mins – TRY NEW ZEALAND: Laura Bayfield completes the rout after a brilliant counterattack. McGregor makes a stunning run from deep, beating multiple defenders before linking with du Plessis and Holmes. The overlap sends Bayfield over to score. Holmes converts. (Australia 5–40 New Zealand)

Full-time: Australia 5–40 New Zealand

Full match report to follow.

Teams

Australia: 15 Waiaria Ellis, 14 Maya Stewart, 13 Georgina Friedrichs, 12 Sidney Taylor, 11 Desiree Miller, 10 Faitala Moleka, 9 Samantha Wood, 8 Siokapesi Palu (c), 7 Lily Bone, 6 Kaitlan Leaney, 5 Tiarah Minns, 4 Michaela Leonard, 3 Eva Karpani, 2 Tania Naden, 1 Brianna Hoy.
Replacements: Brittany Merlo, Martha Fua, Bridie O’Gorman, Ashley Fernandez, Piper Duck, Piper Simons, Ava Wereta, Nicole Ledington.

New Zealand: 15 Renee Holmes, 14 Justine McGregor, 13 Amy du Plessis, 12 Sylvia Brunt, 11 Ayesha Leti-I’iga, 10 Ruahei Demant (c), 9 Maia Joseph, 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker, 7 Kennedy Tukuafu (c), 6 Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, 5 Laura Bayfield, 4 Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 3 Mo’omo’oga Palu, 2 Georgia Ponsonby, 1 Chryss Viliko.
Replacements: Atlanta Lolohea, Maddi Robinson, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Mia Anderson, Tara Turner, Hannah King, Mererangi Paul.

Match details

Australia 5 (Tries: Palu; Conversions: Wood 0/1)
New Zealand 40 (Tries: du Plessis, Leti-I’iga 2, Mahutariki-Fakalelu, McGregor, Bayfield; Conversions: Holmes 5/6)
Half-time: 5–21

Venue: Sunshine Coast Stadium, Queensland
Attendance: 5,508
Referee: Aurélie Groizeleau (France)

Pacific Four Series

USA 33–12 Australia – Women’s Pacific Four Series 2026

Published

5 months ago

18th April 2026

rugbyisthegame

USA 33–12 Australia – Women’s Pacific Four Series 2026

Hope Rogers scored twice as the USA powered to a commanding 33–12 victory over Australia in Kansas City, with the match delayed over two hours due to severe thunderstorms and tornado warnings.

Key moments

12 mins – TRY USA: The Eagles opened the scoring after sustained forward pressure, with Hope Rogers powering over from close range following a dominant maul and several strong carries from Erica Jarrell-Searcy. Bella Vogel converts. (USA 7–0 Australia)

16 mins – YELLOW CARD AUSTRALIA: Maya Stewart sin-binned after a string of penalties against the Wallaroos, with the USA camped inside the 22.

20 mins – TRY AUSTRALIA: Siokapesi Palu responds immediately, breaking through tackles and powering over from close range after Samantha Wood’s brilliant 50-22 kick turned the momentum. Wood converts. (USA 7–7 Australia)

29 mins – TRY USA: Georgie Perris-Redding dots down after initially being denied for a knock-on. The TMO intervenes to confirm the flanker had just held on as she stretched out under sustained pressure near the line. Vogel converts. (USA 14–7 Australia)

32 mins – TRY RULED OUT AUSTRALIA: Tania Naden crosses from the back of the maul, but the TMO spots a clear knock-on in the build-up. USA scrum 5m out.

Half-time: USA 14–7 Australia. The USA headed into the sheds with plenty to like after a strong opening half built on forward dominance and territorial pressure. Freda Tafuna and Jarrell-Searcy consistently got over the gainline. Australia showed resilience through Palu’s powerful try, but handling errors and breakdown turnovers halted their momentum.

50 mins – TRY AUSTRALIA: Desiree Miller finishes a lovely set-piece move on the left edge after the Wallaroos capitalise on a USA handling error near the line. Nicole Ledington wraps around to release Maya Stewart, who fires it wide for Miller to dive over in the corner. Wood misses the conversion. (USA 14–12 Australia)

58 mins – TRY USA: Freda Tafuna piles over from close range after the USA maul edges towards the 22 and the pack rumbles through multiple phases. Vogel converts. (USA 21–12 Australia)

65 mins – TRY RULED OUT USA: Hope Rogers powers over in trademark fashion, but the TMO spots a clear forward pass from Alev Kelter to Erica Coulibaly almost 40 metres upfield. Australia scrum on their 10m line.

69 mins – TRY USA: Rogers gets her double, spying space close to the line and touching down after Australia cough up possession twice in quick succession. Vogel converts. (USA 28–12 Australia)

75 mins – YELLOW CARD USA: Rogers shown yellow for a high shot on Palu, who departs for an HIA. Australia opt to scrum on their own 10m line.

80 mins – TRY USA: Emily Henrich seals the win, picking from the base of the ruck and barging over after sustained pressure. Kristin Bitter misses the conversion. (USA 33–12 Australia)

Full-time: USA 33–12 Australia

Full match report to follow.

Teams

USA: 15 Alev Kelter, 14 Bulou Mataitoga, 13 Emily Henrich, 12 Katana Howard, 11 Erica Coulibaly, 10 Bella Vogel, 9 Cass Bargell, 8 Freda Tafuna, 7 Georgie Perris-Redding, 6 Hann Humphreys, 5 Erica Jarrell-Searcy (c), 4 Hallie Taufoou, 3 Keia Mae Sagapolu Sanele, 2 Kathryn Treder, 1 Hope Rogers.
Replacements: Paige Stathopoulos, Reece Woods, Alivia Leatherman, Kapoina Bailey, Tessa Hann, Abigail Paton, Kristin Bitter, Telesi Uhatafe.

Australia: 15 Faitala Moleka, 14 Maya Stewart, 13 Georgina Friedrichs, 12 Sidney Taylor, 11 Desiree Miller, 10 Nicole Ledington, 9 Samantha Wood, 8 Piper Duck, 7 Emily Chancellor, 6 Siokapesi Palu (c), 5 Kaitlan Leaney, 4 Tiarah Minns, 3 Eva Karpani, 2 Tania Naden, 1 Brianna Hoy.
Replacements: Adiana Talakai, Faliki Pohiva, Bridie O’Gorman, Michaela Leonard, Dillyn Blackburn, Ella Ryan, Ava Wereta, Waiaria Ellis.

Match details

USA 33 (Tries: Rogers 2, Perris-Redding, Tafuna, Henrich; Conversions: Vogel 4/4, Bitter 0/1)
Australia 12 (Tries: Palu, Miller; Conversions: Wood 1/2)
Half-time: 14–7

Venue: CPKC Stadium, Kansas City
Referee: Julianne Zussman (Canada)

Pacific Four Series

Canada 14–36 New Zealand – Women’s Pacific Four Series 2026

Published

5 months ago

18th April 2026

rugbyisthegame

Canada 14–36 New Zealand – Women’s Pacific Four Series 2026

Black Ferns celebrate during Black Ferns v Canada, PAC4 international match, CPKC Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri, USA, Friday, 17 April 2026. (Photo by Travis Prior / action press)

The Black Ferns avenged last year’s World Cup semi-final defeat with a ruthless second-half performance, overturning a 14–5 half-time deficit to crush Canada 36–14 in Kansas City.

Key moments

22 mins – TRY CANADA: Asia Hogan-Rochester finishes in the corner after sustained pressure inside the New Zealand 22. Julia Omokhuale makes strong carries before Taylor Perry fires wide to Hogan-Rochester on the right edge. Claire Gallagher converts from the sideline. (Canada 7–0 New Zealand)

27 mins – YELLOW CARD CANADA: Brittany Kassil sin-binned for a cynical penalty after New Zealand build pressure through Kaipo Olsen-Baker’s powerful carries.

29 mins – TRY NEW ZEALAND: Kennedy Tukuafu dots down out wide after a slick backline movement. Amy du Plessis fires wide to Mererangi Paul, who dishes off to Tukuafu on the edge. Renee Holmes misses the conversion from the sideline. (Canada 7–5 New Zealand)

38 mins – 50-22 CANADA: Claire Gallagher delivers a brilliant kick that bounces into touch inside the New Zealand 22, setting up an attacking lineout.

40 mins – PENALTY TRY CANADA: Canada’s powerful maul drives towards the line before New Zealand collapse it illegally. Georgia Ponsonby sin-binned for her involvement. (Canada 14–5 New Zealand)

Half-time: Canada 14–5 New Zealand. Canada headed into the sheds with plenty of belief after controlling territory and physicality. Their forward pack dominated at times through the maul, while Gallagher’s kicking game kept the Black Ferns pinned back. New Zealand created opportunities but couldn’t convert early dominance into points.

53 mins – TRY NEW ZEALAND: Mererangi Paul scores in the corner after the lineout is thrown over the top and Sylvia Brunt collects. Ruahei Demant wraps around to find du Plessis, who fires wide to Paul. Holmes misses the conversion. (Canada 14–10 New Zealand)

61 mins – TRY NEW ZEALAND: Kaipo Olsen-Baker powers over after a TMO review confirms she managed to ground the ball on a blade of grass over the line. The Black Ferns’ maul sets the platform before multiple close-range carries. Holmes converts. (Canada 14–17 New Zealand)

64 mins – TRY NEW ZEALAND: Maama Vaipulu breaks clear after Tara Turner pops up a low pass that Vaipulu toes forward, scoops up, and races away to score under the posts. Holmes converts. (Canada 14–24 New Zealand)

74 mins – TRY NEW ZEALAND: Amy du Plessis intercepts a wide pass right on the tryline and simply places the ball down. Holmes converts. (Canada 14–31 New Zealand)

76 mins – TRY NEW ZEALAND: Kaipo Olsen-Baker completes her double with another intercept, picking off a pass near halfway and sprinting 50 metres untouched. Holmes misses the conversion. (Canada 14–36 New Zealand)

Full-time: Canada 14–36 New Zealand

Full match report to follow.

Teams

Canada: 15 Claire Gallagher, 14 Asia Hogan-Rochester, 13 Shoshanah Seumanutafa, 12 Alexandra Tessier (c), 11 Aurora Bowie, 10 Taylor Perry, 9 Justine Pelletier, 8 Fabiola Forteza, 7 Julia Omokhuale, 6 Gabrielle Senft, 5 Sophie de Goede, 4 Laetitia Royer, 3 Brittany Kassil, 2 Emily Tuttosi, 1 DaLeaka Menin.
Replacements: Kiki Idowu, Lizzie Gibson, Pamphinette Buisa, Rachel Smith, Chloe Daniels, Corinne Frechette, Maya Montiel, Cassandra Tuffnail.

New Zealand: 15 Renee Holmes, 14 Mererangi Paul, 13 Amy du Plessis, 12 Sylvia Brunt, 11 Ayesha Leti-I’iga, 10 Ruahei Demant (c), 9 Maia Joseph, 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker, 7 Kennedy Tukuafu (c), 6 Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, 5 Laura Bayfield, 4 Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 3 Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, 2 Georgia Ponsonby, 1 Chryss Viliko.
Replacements: Maddi Robinson, Mia Anderson, Vici-Rose Green, Tanya Kalounivale, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Tara Turner, Justine McGregor, Hannah King.

Match details

Canada 14 (Tries: Hogan-Rochester, Penalty try; Conversions: Gallagher 1/1)
New Zealand 36 (Tries: Tukuafu, Paul, Olsen-Baker 2, Vaipulu, du Plessis; Conversions: Holmes 4/6)
Half-time: 14–5

Venue: CPKC Stadium, Kansas City
Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa)