Through their first two matches the Eagles looked strong, then they came up against the juggernaut that is New Zealand. The Black Ferns have yet to lose a match this season and that continued as they beat the Eagles 57-0.
Straight from the start the Eagles found themselves in a hole. It took less than a minute for New Zealand to get on the board and then just a minute later to add a second. The Eagles did hold strong on defense for a few minutes but they were starved of possession for nearly the entire match. At the half the Eagles were down 26-0.
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The second half was just as difficult for the Eagles. New Zealand once again scored an early try and then kept coming with try after try. They scored five total tries in the second half.
It was not the way the Eagles wanted to finish day one and they will do well to have short memories. They gained a lot of momentum off their first two matches but risk losing it all if they dwell on the match. Even worse for the Eagles they saw a big hit to their point differential meaning they will now have to face Australia in the Cup quarterfinals rather than potentially facing France.
Starters: Bonny, Lopez, Fa'Avesi, Baravilala, Thomas, Kelter, Javelet