Rugby: Black Ferns too good for New Zealand barbarians, Miter 10 Cup semi-final heats up

When the Black Ferns faced the New Zealand barbarians in Auckland on Saturday, there were high expectations for the performance of the national team.

For the most part, they fell short of those in a 34-15 win. However, there was a lot to impress the Barbarians, who played their first game in 15 months, despite what turned out to be a rather uneven score.

The Black Ferns came up big early with four attempts in the first half hour, including a double for Langi Veainu on his debut. Leading 20-0, the stage was set for the national team to get on with the job and record an impressive total.

Instead, the Barbarians scored a penalty goal and a try just before halftime to close the gap to 12 heading into the second half.

Within five minutes of the restart, the Barbarians narrowed the gap to just five points after Lyric Faleafaga crossed the line, with his try converted by Patricia Maliepo.

However, the possibility of a historic upset was pushed further moments later when Cheyelle Robins-Reti scored, and a sixth attempt by Black Ferns over Grace Brooker sealed the victory. The two teams will meet again in Nelson next Saturday.

“I’m happy that we came out with the result. It was tough to put together and we only have five days together so I’m happy we got the win, but a lot of lessons to learn next week,” said Black Ferns captain Eloise Blackwell he said after the game.

In the 10 Miter Cup, Wellington avoided relegation with a solid 31-5 win over Manawatu, despite an extremely slow start.

In incredibly close Premiership competition, Wellington’s victory not only ensures that they won’t be relegated, but now gives them a slight hope of making the playoffs.

For that to happen, Wellington needs North Harbor to beat the Bay of Plenty without a bonus point at Tauranga, and Canterbury to not score a bonus point win over Auckland in Christchurch.

On the other hand, Waikato’s playoff hopes were hurt in a surprise 28-17 loss to Northland. Waikato had spent time at the top of the Premiership this season, but now they are sweating the same results as Wellington, as they are in fourth place heading into the final day of the round robin.

In the last game of the day, Tasman secured a Premiership semi-final at home with a 26-20 win over Otago.