2018 Black Ferns
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I've just watched a replay of the game. France were deserved winners and scored some very good tries, particularly the one from their no.8 out wide.
Black Ferns need to find some better props, hopefully Toka Natua is back next year. The inside back combo didn't work either. Cottrell didn't impress me.
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This weekend's test match was the last for Linda Itunu and captain Fiao'o Faamausili, who are retiring.
This haka is a tribute by the BFs to these awesome players. Great how the French team joined the tribute by standing in line behind them..
Quite a few players made their debut for the BFs this year, such as wing Ayesha Leti-I'iga, first five-eighth Krysten Cottrell, 10/12 Ruahei Demant, reserve LH prop Leilani Perese, Monica Tagaoi, outside back Natahlia Moors, flanker Marcelle Parkes.
The Ferns were also missing several players during this tour. Some retired after the World Cup (a.o. Rawinia Everitt, not sure what happened to Hazel Tubic), some were injured (a.o. Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali; Chelsey Alley got injured v the USA), again others were with the Black Ferns 7s team (Goss, Brazier, Woodman, Fitzpatrick and Saili).
All in all, it's understandable that they were not as strong as last year and didn't dominate the French like they used to (also full credit to the French, who have improved a lot and won the Six Nations for a reason!). The BFs are re-building for the next World Cup, and no doubt that will continue next year with probably more new players being introduced.
Glen Moore has done an excellent job with this team the last few years; I hope he stays (not sure for how long he has been signed by NZR).
