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‘Start strong, win up front’: Cocksedge outlines Black Ferns’ Canada blueprint
Patrick Marsters-Fonotoe • September 19th, 2025 1:34 pm
Black Ferns | Photo: Photosport
Former Black Ferns great Kendra Cocksedge says a strong start and forward dominance will be vital when they face Canada in Saturday morning's (NZ time) World Cup semi-final.
The 68-Test former international believes the Black Ferns’ hopes of reaching another World Cup final hinge on matching Canada’s physicality up front while staying disciplined and shutting down their backline strike power.
“Our pack is going to have to take them on up front… that’s where it starts,” Cocksedge told Sport Nation’s Scotty & Izzy.
Scotty 'fizz checks' Kendra Cocksedge | Scotty & Izzy
“Their pack is physical, they’re really good at slowing the opposition’s ball down. And their ruck speed is probably one of the quickest in the tournament. We’ve got to find a way to slow their ball down and do it legally.”
Discipline, Cocksedge adds, will be crucial as the Black Ferns have conceded 43 penalties in the tournament, the third most of any side, while Canada have given away just 31.
“We need to really restrict our penalties. Our discipline has been massive in the last two games,” she said.
Cocksedge also warned of Canada’s ability to punish mistakes through their backline, including fullback Julia Schell, the tournament’s second leading try scorer, noting the Black Ferns’ trademark style must shine through if they are to gain the upper hand.
“They’re quality athletes. We just can’t let the ball get into their hands. The defensive pressure we had against Ireland, if we can bring that early on and not let it get out to their strike power, that would be very helpful.”
“If we turn up and we play the game that we’re known to play, I believe we can wipe them off the park. But Canada are playing with a lot of confidence, and we can’t allow that. We have to start strong and if we can get a couple of early points on the board, then we can put the pressure back on them.”
The return of midfielder Sylvia Brunt, and the milestone 50th test for co-captain Ruahei Demant, could prove decisive in unlocking New Zealand’s attacking game.
“Getting the ball to them… we need to hold possession and get the ball to these players,” Cocksedge said. “Sylvia is a hard runner, a great defender, and when she’s out there with Stacey they’re such a dangerous combination. That’s where our strike power is.”
“If our pack can do the job and give Lu front foot ball, that’s where the Black Ferns play their best footy — it’s their DNA. She plays her best when she’s unstructured, when she’s taking it to the line and making decisions on the go. That’s the type of rugby that puts us on top.”
With Jorja Miller ruled out, the spotlight falls on co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu, who will make just her second start of the tournament. Cocksedge sees her as the right player to fill the void.
“She’s probably got a bit of a point to prove. I know she’ll fire in a game like this too. What she brings is that leadership perspective with Lu, and how they operate together,” she said. “She’s physical, she’s experienced, and she won’t shy away from the big moments.”
From her experience as a three-time World Cup winner, Cocksedge says the semi-final will be decided by composure and execution under pressure.
“It’s winning those moments… getting up off the ground faster, doing the little things well,” she said. “You can’t afford to throw away points or possession. There’s going to be times of pressure and changes of momentum, and the team that stays smartest in controlling that will come out on top.”
