The anticipation around the Pacific Four Series concluded dramatically as the New Zealand Black Ferns clashed with the USA Women’s Eagles on May 23, leading to an emphatic 79-14 victory for New Zealand. After a brief moment of hope when the Eagles took an early lead, the Black Ferns seized control and delivered a commanding performance that left little doubt about their dominance on the field.
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe was the highlight of the match, breaking the all-time tries record by scoring seven tries and elevating her career total to 45 tries over 26 matches. Her outstanding contributions were pivotal in securing the Pacific Four Series trophy for New Zealand.
The USA, despite scoring two tries through Freda Tafuna and Hope Rogers, struggled to maintain momentum and found themselves heavily outmatched as the game progressed. After leading by 20 points at halftime, New Zealand extended their lead with seven unanswered tries in the second half, showcasing their attacking prowess and exploiting vulnerabilities in the USA defense.
This match further solidified New Zealand’s historic advantage over the USA, marking the Eagles’ continued search for their first victory against the Black Ferns since 1991. The win also allowed the Black Ferns to reclaim the Pacific Four Series title after fortuitously benefiting from Canada’s earlier win over Australia.
Match Highlights
Final Score: USA 14, New Zealand 79
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe capped off her phenomenal match with a seventh try as the clock wound down, reiterating her place in Black Ferns history.
She’s done it! Portia Woodman-Wickliffe becomes the record-holder for most tries scored by a @blackferns player 👑 #PacificFourSeries pic.twitter.com/lBZsB0NNJZ
— FloRugby (@FloRugby) May 24, 2025
73′ – Black Ferns Dominate
New Zealand’s strategy of wide passing paid off, leading to impressive tries. Stacey Waaka extended the Black Fern lead further.
68′ – Record-Breaking Performance
Woodman-Wickliffe’s fifth try put her in the record books as the all-time leading try scorer for the Black Ferns, despite a missed conversion.
63′ – Continued Excellence
Katelynn Vahaakolo pushed the score to 62 for New Zealand, with fans cheering for the conversion by Hannah King.
58′ – Tying the Record
With her fifth try of the match, Woodman-Wickliffe brought the game’s score to 55, equalizing her previous record.
48′ – Strong Start to the Second Half
The Black Ferns continued their offensive momentum with tries from Woodman-Wickliffe and Ruahei Demant, substantially increasing their lead.
41’ – Second Half Begins
Katelynn Vahaakolo found space in the Eagles’ defense, proving the tenacity of New Zealand’s attack.
Black Ferns with pace so far, but 40min left to play.
TRIES: F. Tafuna, H. Rogers
CONV: M. Hawkins (2)#USAvNZL | @CBSSports pic.twitter.com/soSQqGEi5x— USA Rugby (@USARugby) May 24, 2025
40′ – Halftime Stats
Heading into halftime, Woodman-Wickliffe scored her third try, allowing New Zealand a comfortable lead.
Katelyn Vahaakolo and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe earn hat tricks for the @blackferns as the first half closes out at North Harbour Stadium #PacificFourSeries pic.twitter.com/T4OWAOb5Es
— FloRugby (@FloRugby) May 24, 2025
36′ – Extended Lead
Katelyn Vahaakolo scored another try, establishing the Black Ferns’ dominance.
28′ – USA Strikes Back
Hope Rogers brought the Eagles slightly back into the ring with a try and a successful conversion.
26′ – New Zealand Increases Their Lead
Woodman-Wickliffe scored again, maintaining New Zealand’s upward trajectory.
23′ – Continued Pressure
Vahaakolo managed to score again, showcasing the challenge the Eagles faced within their defensive scheme.
14′ – New Zealand Responds
Katelyn Vahaakolo tied the game with a quick try after New Zealand’s tactical passing.
The @blackferns strike back twice with two tries in four minutes to retake the lead #PacificFourSeries pic.twitter.com/RaLqqCV92i
— FloRugby (@FloRugby) May 24, 2025
12′ – USA Takes Early Lead
Freda Tafuna’s early try propelled the Eagles into the lead, marking a promising start.
Kickoff
The match commenced at North Harbour Stadium, as both teams sought a decisive victory in the Pacific Four Series.
All-Time Match Record
The encounter between New Zealand and the USA Women’s Eagles extends a historical rivalry, with New Zealand holding a commanding 14-1 record over the Eagles in 15 test matches since their first meeting during the 1991 Women’s Rugby World Cup semifinals—a match that remains the only victory for the USA.
Lineups
New Zealand Black Ferns
- Kate Henwood
- Georgia Ponsonby
- Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu
- Alana Bremner
- Maiakawanakaulani Roos
- Liana Mikaele-Tu’u
- Jorja Miller
- Kaipo Olsen-Baker
- Risi Pouri-Lane
- Ruahei Demant
- Katelynn Vahaakolo
- Theresa Setefano
- Stacey Waaka
- Portia Woodman-Wickliffe
- Braxton Sorenson-McGee
Substitutes: Vici-Rose Green, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Tanya Kalounivale, Chelsea Bremner, Kennedy Tukuafu, Maia Joseph, Hannah King, Sylvia Brunt
USA Women’s Eagles
- Hope Rogers
- Paige Stathopoulos
- Keia Mae Sagapolu
- Hallie Taufoou
- Erica Jarrell
- Freda Tafuna
- Kate Zackary
- Rachel Johnson
- Olivia Ortiz
- Sariah Ibarra
- Cheta Emba
- McKenzie Hawkins
- Ilona Maher
- Emily Henrich
- Bulou Mataitoga
Substitutes: Kathryn Treder, Alivia Leatherman, Charli Jacoby, Rachel Ehrecke, Tahlia Brody, Cass Bargell, Nicole Heavirland, Tess Feury
Match Coverage Details
The matchup commenced at 11:25 p.m. ET from North Harbour Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand, with streaming available through FloRugby and the FloSports app.
Upcoming Fixtures & Rankings
Black Ferns and USA Eagles Fixtures
- Friday, May 23 – 10:35 p.m. ET: Black Ferns vs. USA Women
- Saturday, July 19 – 5 p.m. ET: USA Women vs. Fiji Women
- Friday, August 1 – 6 p.m. ET: Canada Women vs. USA Women
- Friday, August 22 – 1:30 p.m. ET: England Women vs. USA Women
- Saturday, August 30 – 1:30 p.m. ET: USA Women vs. Wallaroos
- Saturday, September 6 – 7:30 a.m. ET: USA Women vs. Samoa Women
World Rugby Women’s Rankings
- 1. England – 97.56
- 2. Canada – 89.31
- 3. New Zealand – 89.01
- 4. France – 85.92
- 5. Ireland – 78.78
- 6. Australia – 77.73
- 7. Scotland – 76.56
- 8. Italy – 75.23
- 9. USA – 72.20
- 10. Wales – 70.81
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Groups
- Pool A: New Zealand, Ireland, Japan, Spain
- Pool B: France, Italy, South Africa, Brazil
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