@KiwiMurph said in Black Ferns 2026:
If anyone deserves a try its Olsen Baker
She is a machine
A very consistent performer. I was really impressed with Mahutariki-Fakalelu. Only 21.
Turner's clearance is much faster but she needs to cut out those mistakes.
I’m so bloody happy with that win. Crappy first half but what a second half performance. Best defensive effort in years! Ball runners (Viliko, KOB, LMT, Fakalelu, Roos, everyone!) were massive and got over the line. I noticed they were folding in from the wings on defence and cut down Canada’s support lines. Best game from AdP too.
@KiwiMurph knee injury for Joseph. Turner seems special though. Surely starts v Aus
On a slightly separate note, does anyone know what’s happened to Kahlia Awa? She was touted as the next big thing after her starring role in the Blues Aupiki final win in 2024. She picked up a BF contract on the end of that season. Then she was re-selected in last year’s Blues Aupiki squad but I don’t think I ever saw her play. Tara Turner clearly won the battle for the jersey last year. Since then, Awa seems to have disappeared. She wasn’t in last year’s FPC Squad for the Hawkes Bay Tui and she didn’t make any of the Aupiki squads this year.
The thought only crosses my mind because her and Tara Turner have a very similar game and Turner is now a BF.
@Auckman said in Black Ferns 2026:
On a slightly separate note, does anyone know what’s happened to Kahlia Awa? She was touted as the next big thing after her starring role in the Blues Aupiki final win in 2024. She picked up a BF contract on the end of that season. Then she was re-selected in last year’s Blues Aupiki squad but I don’t think I ever saw her play. Tara Turner clearly won the battle for the jersey last year. Since then, Awa seems to have disappeared. She wasn’t in last year’s FPC Squad for the Hawkes Bay Tui and she didn’t make any of the Aupiki squads this year.
The thought only crosses my mind because her and Tara Turner have a very similar game and Turner is now a BF.
She's playing in Japan now, based on her Instagram. She's also engaged to Cooper Flanders, funnily enough.
Ahh I see. Well hopefully she returns to NZ rugby at some point. Halfbacks that attack around the sides of rucks is something I think can be effective against England in the long-term.
Japan seems to be a popular destination for some of the women before returning to NZ. Particularly those that are playing sevens.
A couple of changes but not in the right positions.
Not sure what else Taufa Bason has to do to get a game. Surely you'd want to try players out now in the Pac-4 before the WXV1 and French series tests
@Auckman said in Black Ferns 2026:
Not sure what else Taufa Bason has to do to get a game. Surely you'd want to try players out now in the Pac-4 before the WXV1 and French series tests
Thought the same thing. Missed opportunity.
We are far too strong. The rain is back but the girls have an opportunity to put a ton on if they keep this up
I wish Hansen didn't always sub Brunt when they could just move her to centre.
Palu was clearly lacking fitness to be anything other than an impact sub.
9 days later
@KiwiMurph said in Black Ferns 2026:
Black Ferns having to deal with a crazy european ref.
Good experience I guess
Most NH refs in women’s rugby are infuriating but the worst is Saffa Amy Barrett Theron. They’re either completely incompetent or outright biased in favour of any team with a maul.
