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‘More patient and clinical’: Former Black Fern highlights key improvements for World Cup semi-final clash
Patrick Marsters-Fonotoe • September 16th, 2025 1:36 pm
Black Ferns | Photo: Photosport
Former Black Fern Kristina Sue says the Black Ferns need to simplify their game and improve execution if they are to overcome Canada in their World Cup semi-final on Saturday (NZ time).
Sue, a World Cup winner with the Black Ferns in 2017, highlighted New Zealand's quarter-final against South Africa as a warning, where they started slowly but were able to pull away with the contest late.
“They’re probably a similar style to us,” Sue told Sport Nation’s Millsy and Guy. “They like to play that free-flowing rugby, they’re pretty good at set piece.
“I think they were probably a bit shocked as to how (the) South African women performed in that first half, and couldn’t quite adjust immediately.
Although the Black Ferns outscored their opponents 36-7 in the second half, Sue said “they needed to pull finger and show better standards.”
“Yes, they scored six unanswered tries in the second half, but against any other better side like Canada, France or England, there won’t be any chances of coming back… so definitely that is a concern.”
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The 14-Test international praised the Black Ferns’ defence as one of the most consistent aspects of their tournament.
“They’ve just been really clinical with their defence in terms of their organisation, connection (and) technically they’ve been on song,” she said.
However, she flagged execution errors and decision-making as areas that still need attention, with their attacking ambition often coming at the expense of fundamentals.
“It’s in their DNA to play fast, offloading rugby, keeping the ball alive type style, but there’s a time and a place,” she said.
Sue warned that giving away possession or forcing handling errors could be costly against stronger opposition.
The former halfback also highlighted the impact of younger players making a difference on the field, particularly teenage sensation Braxton Sorensen-McGee.
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“She has ice through her veins… she’s just so composed and calm under pressure,” Sue said.
Having played Sevens herself, Sue described Jorja Miller, a sevens convert, as "real competitor".
“She’d be able to toast up any player… almost beating two or three defenders at once. Get the ball to her,” Sue said.
She added that Miller will be key if the Black Ferns reach a final against England, noting she “might be needed to use her sidestep and agility a bit more.”
Looking at the bigger picture, Sue said the team still needs to tidy up some aspects to deliver a full 80-minute performance but remains confident in their ability to win the tournament.
“There’s total faith that we’ve got the players, the personnel, the structure and the game plan to execute to retain that title,” she said.
The Black Ferns will face Canada in the semi-final Saturday, September 20 at 6am NZT.
