Black Ferns Dominate USA in Pacific Four Opener Despite Card Trouble

A Mererangi Paul hat-trick leads the Black Ferns to a 48-15 win over the USA in Sacramento, marking a successful yet card-heavy debut for coach Whitney Hansen.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 13, 2026, 5:45 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

Match Highlights: The Mererangi Paul Show

Winger Mererangi Paul was the standout performer, crossing the line three times (8', 15', 52') to showcase her elite finishing and speed. The Black Ferns' attacking flair eventually overwhelmed the American defense, which had kept the game competitive at 19-15 by halftime.

Points Machine: Fullback Renee Holmes accounted for nearly half of the team's points, scoring two tries and adding five conversions and a penalty for a 23-point haul. Notably, she missed one conversion attempt after being "timed out" by the referee.

USA Resilience: The Americans displayed "grim determination" early on, utilizing effective steals at the breakdown to frustrate the New Zealand side before the floodgates opened in the second half.

Disciplinary Hurdles

Despite the seven-try performance, the Black Ferns' victory was marred by poor discipline under the lights at Heart Health Park.