THE Black Ferns claimed a hard fought win over Canada in their first Test match of 2019.
Lock Eloise Blackwell opened the scoring for New Zealand after a dominant opening ten minutes for the world champions, before Canada fought their way back – rewarded when Elissa Alarie crossed the line.
New Zealand responded with a well-worked try for Carla Hohepa, but Canada refused to budge and two penalty goals from Brianna Miller made it a onepoint game in favour of the Black Ferns.
Vice-captain Kendra Cocksedge, who slotted 15 points in total, kicked two penalty goals for New Zealand, who too...