Ferns finish series unbeaten

Canada pressure New Zealand near the end of the first half

As in the first test between the same two teams the game saw the hosts take the early advantage, racing to an early 26-0 lead. Afte a nervy start again by both teams Ferns captain Fiao'o Fa'amausili began the scoring after 10 minutes following a drive, followed by Renee Wickliffe four minutes later, using her speed and footwork. Huriana Manuel added a third on 26 minutes, before on 31 minutes Honey Hireme broke down the right to put Shakra Baker in for a fourth.

It was a devastating period of play, but Canada  were soon fighting back with fullback Elissa Alarie intercepting a New Zealand pass at the Canadian 22-metre line and going the length of the pitch for Canada’s first points of the match. The conversion from Magali Harvey made it a 26-7 score at the half.

Harvey, a Canada Sevens player, then showed off her speed and footwork beating two defenders down the sideline to bring Canada within 19 points.

As the previous week, it was now all pressure for Canada, but again the Ferns defence held. Canada coach Francois Ratier making six second-half substitutions, and fresh legs allowed Canada finally told when Hilary Leith touched down for her first try of the tour and Harvey’s third conversion of the match made it a 33-21 game.

However, again the breakthrough was too late with the whistle going two minutes later.

A crowd of 1410 saw Whakatane's first women's test match.

Recordings of some of the previous games in the series are now available:

• New Zealand v Australia
• New Zealand v Samoa
• New Zealand v Canada
• Canada v Australia (highlights only)

Canada

1. Laura Russell;  2. Mary-Jane Kirby;  3. Olivia DeMerchant;  4. Maria Samson;  5. Kayla Mack;  6. Jacey Murphy;  7. Karen Paquin;  8. Kelly Russell;  9. Stephanie Bernier;  10. Emily Belchos;  11. Jessica Dovanne;  12. Mandy Marchak;  13. Amanda Thornborough;  14. Magali Harvey;  15. Elissa Alarie

16. Marie-Pier Pinault-Reid;  17. Hilary Leith;  18. Kim Donaldson;  19. Tyson Beukeboom;  20. Cindy Nelles; 21. Julia Sugawara;  22. Andrea Burk;  23. Julianne Zussman

New Zealand

1 Ruth Mckay; 2 Fiao’o Fa’amausili, captain; 3 Aleisha Nelson; 4 Jackie Patea; 5 Rawinia Everitt; 6 Linda Itunu; 7 Justine Lavea; 8 Casey Roberston; 9 Emma Jensen; 10 Kelly Brazier; 11 Shakira Baker; 12 Amiria Rule; 13 Huriana Manuel; 14 Honey Hireme; 15 Renee Wickliffe

16 Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate; 17 Kathleen Wilton ; 18 Philippa Love (debut); 19 Eloise Blackwell; 20 Aroha Savage; 21 Kendra Cocksedge; 22 Halie Tiplady- Hurring; 23 Selica Winiata