The Black Ferns have claimed a hard fought 35-20 win over Canada in the opening match of the Women's Rugby Super Series in San Diego on Saturday (NZ time).
The Ferns outscored Canada four tries to two, with Kendra Cocksedge kicking three conversions and three penalty goals in New Zealand's first test match of 2019.
While the score was a fair reflection of the match, both teams had numerous chances to score more, especially Canada who were let down by handling errors and poor discipline at set-piece time.
Lock Eloise Blackwell opened the scoring for New Zealand after a dominant opening 10 minutes for the world champions, before Canada fought their way back into the match - rewarded when Elissa Alarie crossed the line.
New Zealand responded with a well-worked try to Carla Hohepa, but Canada refused to budge and two penalty goals from Brianna Miller made it a one-point game in favour of the Black Ferns.
Vice-captain Cocksedge then slotted two penalty goals for New Zealand, who took a 20-13 lead into the halftime break.
The Black Ferns managed to score first in the second half, when Chelsea Alley crossed from off a well-worked set-piece from a scrum.
Canada remained patient and Sophie De Goede found her way over the line for her team's second, but minutes later winger Ayesha Leti-I'iga crossed for New Zealand's fourth.
Cocksedge slotted the Black Ferns' third penalty with 10 minutes remaining to put the result beyond doubt.
The Black Ferns face the USA in their second match of the tournament on Wednesday.
Earlier, the USA suffered a crushing 38-5 defeat against England.
Heather Kerr crossed twice for the Red Roses, with Kelly Smith, Claudia Macdonald, Mo Hunt and Emily Scarratt also scoring to secure a bonus point, while Hope Rogers crossed for the hosts' only score in the first half.
Newshub.
Black Ferns 35 (Eloise Blackwell, Carla Hohepa, Chelsea Alley, Ayesha Leti-I'iga tries; Kendra Cocksedge 3 con, 3 pen) Canada 20 (Elissa Alarie, Sophie de Goede tries; Brianna Miller 2 con, 2 pen)
