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The top five performers of the week in the Pacific Four Series
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The Black Ferns are in pole position to defend their Pacific Four (PAC4) series title after rallying from 14-5 down at halftime to stun Canada 36-14 on a stormy night in Kansas City, where the start was delayed by three hours.
The last time the Black Ferns beat Canada, the team that ended their reign as champions in the 2025 Rugby World Cup semi-finals, was in 2023 when they charged to a 52-21 win in Ottawa, marking their 100th Test victory.
Meanwhile, the USA powered to their largest ever win against the Wallaroos. The tournament concludes next weekend with unbeaten New Zealand facing winless Australia and a smarting Canada tussling with an improved USA.
Who were the performers of the week in Round 2 of PAC4?
Kennedy Tukuafu (Black Ferns)
Has the veteran co-captain ever played a better Test? In a challenging opening half, Tukuafu kept the Black Ferns in the hunt with two ruck turnovers and a 29th-minute try when her side was down 7-0. Earlier, a searing break she made went unconverted. Tukuafu was a shadow of herself in the 2025 Rugby World Cup semi-final defeat to Canada, but added another turnover and finished with ten tackles and nine carries in a lion-hearted display.
Kaipo Olsen-Baker (Black Ferns)
The No.8’s try in the 61st minute, wriggling sideways to plant the ball over the line in the grasp of three propelled the Black Ferns to a lead that shortly afterwards saw the floodgates open. Olsen-Baker topped the Black Ferns for carries (21), meters gained (208) and added 11 tackles and two turnovers in a masterpiece that was iced with a long-range 75th-minute intercept. Is there a better loose forward in the women’s game?
Tara Tuner (Black Ferns)
The replacement halfback from Northland came on after just 26 minutes in her second Test, replacing Maia Joseph, who had conceded a try to a charge down and hobbled off injured. Turner was composed, even sprightly. Her swift clearances to first five-eighth Ruahei Demant allowed the Black Ferns co-captain to control the proceedings. Demant was responsible for 13 of the Black Ferns’ 23 kicks, perhaps more than she has ever kicked the ball in a Test. There were some stunning cross-kicks gained for significant yardage or clever placements to space that turned the tiring Canadians around.
Turner wasn’t afraid to snipe. In the 63rd minute, a hole she created near a ruck allowed replacement lock Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu to gallop 20 meters for a try that put the Black Ferns 24-14 ahead. Vaipulu’s damaging run showed why she was a surprise omission from the Black Ferns 2025 Rugby World Cup squad. Together, Vaipulu and Turner have won two Super Rugby Aupiki championships with the Blues.
Julia Omokhuale (Canada)
Was the most dynamic of the Canadian forwards with her charge down on a Maia Joseph clearance, directly leading to a ninth try in ten Tests for Asia Hogan-Rochester. She carried with gusto, gaining 93 meters on nine carries, including a linebreak that almost led to an early second-half try. Omokhaule made 19 tackles, second only to Emily Tuttosi with 22 and Laetitia Royer with 20.
Omokhaule plays for Saracens, who have a 12-2 record in PWR. She is ranked 10th for most tackles in the competition with 164. She has said, “Saracens play such an exciting, fast game of Rugby with great offloading, and I’m eager to be part of that. I want to add my physicality and energy to the mix.”
Georgie Perris-Redding (USA)
The USA had just one win in their last 21 Tests against the world’s top 10 teams. Beating Australia 33-12 was their best victory since a 19-10 win over Ireland in Dublin in 2018 and their first win against a top-ten side since beating Australia 32-25 at the 2024 PAC4.
The Eagles forwards paved the way for victory, controlling two-thirds of possession and territory. Captain and openside Georgie Perris-Redding made 17 carries and scored a try. Her defensive work rate was huge, making 22 tackles, double the next best American, Alivia Leatherman, who had 11. Perris-Redding ranks fourth for most tackles in PWR with 189 for Sale.
With a twisting run, Wallaroos captain Siokapesi Palu scored a great try, made 11 tackles, and won four of their 9 faultless lineouts. But it was a poor night for Australia, who beat the USA 58-17 as recently as 2023. Meanwhile, the Eagles’ previous biggest win against Australia was 29-12 at the 2006 Rugby World Cup.
