With a dismal 0-27 record against New Zealand – the most recent a 62-0 blackout in Brisbane last year – breaking the Black Ferns hoodoo was always going to be tough. And it was, as Australia’s women’s side were dealt a reality check ahead of the Rugby World Cup in August, crashing to a 38-12 defeat in their Pacific Four Series opener.
Even against the champions in six of the past seven World Cups, the Wallaroos went into this Test at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle with their tails up. Last week, they put Fijiana to the sword 43-7 in Suva for a fourth straight victory.