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Alex Chapman: Black Ferns split the 'G', dual-screen dilemma & some self-indulgence
Alex Chapman • September 8th, 2025 11:57 am
Black Ferns | Photo: Photosport
There’s a great Irish pastime of splitting the 'g'. The Black Ferns changed that into splitting open the Irish defence.
In the biggest indication yet that it’s all starting to click, the defending champions sent a statement at the World Cup; we’re here.
And a 40-0 win over a team they’d only beaten once before suggests they’re clicking at the right time.
Just like they did three years ago, they’ve finished pool play by keeping their opposition to nil. That will be as satisfying as for the first time this tournament, starting a game without any wobbles, fending off early pressure, and once again closing it out in dominant fashion. Their final try, the try from the end of Brighton Pier, the perfect encapsulation of the slick and silky moves they can produce.
As for Braxton Sorensen-McGee, what’s better than a World Cup hat trick?
Two World Cup hat tricks.
The teenage tearaway swerving and stepping her way to another, exhibiting the sort of set-piece and adlib moves that will have opposition sides weary of what’s to come.
All Blacks repel the invasion
Speaking of the Boks - Fortress defended.
It had the feeling that after the haka, and subsequent roar, the All Blacks were going to win. It just seemed destined.
Scoring inside two minutes exemplified that, in what was arguably the best opening 20 minutes under Scott Robertson.
Watto and Ant Strachan debate All Black success | The Rugby Run
New Zealand’s discipline was much improved, conceding just 10 penalties and not having a man sent to the bin for only the second time this year. The Boks meanwhile had a tackle completion of 81 percent and their usually shored up lineout ran at 78 percent.
And as the Boks resorted to being clever with some of the moves, the All Blacks may as well have had the answers to a test the South Africans didn’t properly study for.
Not to pick nits, but the aerial assault continues to be an area of potential improvement which the Boks will once again try and expose, and New Zealand’s scrum is a clear issue after winning at just 80 percent.
But as a whole, that’s the sort of result and performance that would’ve made it an extra special Ardie Party.
Savea’s impact on the game of rugby may not be quantifiable, but for Pasifika people to see one of their own ton up for the All Blacks goes beyond playing footy.
Finals await the Wahs - but for how long?
If a mechanic was to give your car a tune up the Warriors got, you’d be sending it back saying to try again.
Fans, and probably the players and staff, were left gobsmacked by the opening nine seconds at Brookvale. Unfortunately, that’s as long as the enjoyment would last. A try being scored that quickly can kick a side into action. In this case, it was the Sea Eagles rather than the Warriors who reacted.
Their right edge continues to be an enormous issue, jamming in as if trying to hurriedly squeeze into a full elevator before the doors shut, and they failed to capitalise against a team that completed at just 70 percent and missed more tackles.
James Fisher-Harris scores the fastest try in NRL history | Warriors Live on Sport Nation
In the end, to lose by only one point, albeit due to Manly players being binned for trying to wind down the clock, has to be laughed at.
They’re now in a position of do or die. While it’s not life or death - after all, it’s just sport - it will determine their survival this season.
They’re now in a position of do or die. While it’s not life or death - after all, it’s just sport - it will determine their survival this season.
Captain James Fisher-Harris said after the game that he loves that no one really respects them and no one gives them a chance. Now’s as good of a chance as any to prove that.
Unfortunately now, for whatever reason, the NRL has ignored the Warriors' requests for broadcast alignment with the second Test between the All Blacks and South Africa.
The Wahs players themselves may not consider it, nor should they, but how they play in the first half will determine how many people stay tuned in for the second half, or whether they reach for the remote.
Guerin Report
A moment of self-indulgence of sorts here to finish. I’m lucky enough to work on the Guerin Report with Michael Guerin which won the LOVERACING.NZ Award for Contribution to Media, Digital & Content.
MG will hate me doing and saying this, but what he contributes to the industry, his knowledge and connections, is unrivalled. I
I’ve been fortunate to work with some great journos and broadcasters and Michael is up there with the best.
Right, enough of that.
Tune into Alex Chapman on Sport Nation Mornings, 9am to midday on Thursdays & Fridays.
