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Full Noise by SN
Important update on 1476AMNZ's clinical Black Ferns hand Wallaroos a wooden spoon
Darren Walton, AAP •  April 26th, 2026 11:30 am
The New Zealand Black Ferns proved far too strong for Australia in their Pacific Four Series clash. | Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP
New Zealand's Black Ferns have won the Pacific Four Series and consigned the Wallaroos to a dreaded third wooden spoon with an incredible 30th consecutive victory over Australia.
Once again proving too strong and too classy, the Black Ferns preserved their proud 32-year undefeated record against the Wallaroos with a never-in-doubt 40-5 win in Queensland on Saturday night.
New Zealand's six-tries-to-one drubbing followed up their defeats over Canada and USA over the past two weeks.
In interim coach Sam Needs' final Test in charge before Rugby Australia names a permanent replacement after the series, the Wallaroos trailed 29-5 at the break.
First-half tries to centre Amy du Plessis and flanker Liana Mahutariki-Fakalelu, either side of a double to winger Ayesha Leti-I'iga, did the damage for New Zealand.
Lock Laura Bayfield and winger Justine McGregor completed the 45-point demolition job in the more competitive second half from the Wallaroos.
"Look, despite the score, despite the 30 wins in a row, that was actually a really hard game out there," said gracious NZ captain Kennedy Tukuafu.
"We know that Australia have nothing to lose coming into this game. It's their first game at home for the season and we knew that they were going to come out exactly like that with nothing to lose."
The Wallaroos' Michaela Leonard's milestone 46th Test saw her become the most-capped Wallaroos player in history. Preferring only to look ahead, Leonard was philosophical in defeat.
"We came with a plan and we did that," Leonard said.
"We've got to give credit to New Zealand. They're a world-class team for a reason, and they definitely outperformed us."
