How the Black Ferns rated during demolition job of Wallaroos

ANALYSIS: The Allan Bunting era is off to a flyer, after the world champion Black Ferns dispatched the Aussies in Brisbane on Thursday night.

Fielding six debutants, the Black Ferns ran in eight tries to zip, shutting out the hosts at Dolphins Stadium in their first match since last year’s World Cup final.

Here’s how Stuff rated the Black Ferns.

BLACK FERNS

Renee Holmes: A lethal open field runner who keeps defenders on their toes by holding the ball in both hands, Holmes held up the defensive line nicely in the lead up to Mererangi Paul’s fine first half try. Kicked four from six conversions. 8

Mererangi Paul: The debutant had little action go her way for much of the first half, but made a rare touch count with a sublime chip and chase try before the break, one of two five-pointers for the right wing. Also made a couple of fine spot tackles on speedy opposite Ivania Wong. 8

Amy du Plessis: Had the best view in the house as her midfield partner put on a show. Having threatened for much of the night, du Plessis produced the line-break and offload to put Iritana Hohaia over after the hooter as the Black Ferns cracked a half ton. 7.5

Sylvia Brunt: The best player on the paddock, Brunt was involved in everything before she was replaced in the second spell. She scored twice, utilising her speed, power and subtle footwork, while generating ample front-foot ball. Brunt also flattened Wong with one of the hits of the night. Her only blip was a dropped ball after Demant knifed open the Aussies. 9.5

Katelyn Vahaakolo: Didn’t get a lot of action go her way on debut. Was guilty of forcing a pass early, not that she was the only one during a sloppy opening quarter. 5

Ruahei Demant: A class act who always appears to have so much time, the playmaker ran the cutter superbly. Also made a mark defensively, twice flying off the line to make big hits, while also making crunch breakdown steal inside her own half to kill off Australia’s best first half raid. 9

Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu: Made a shaky start, including hoofing a ball out on the full and dropping a ball cold, but her service improved as the game went on after a few too many passes found grass. 6

Liana Mikaele-Tu’u: One of a bunch of Black Ferns to get over the top of the ball and either earn a penalty or steal the ball cleanly. Made a storming run off the back of a scrum to set up Paul’s second try. 7.5

Kennedy Simon: A busy night on both sides of the ball, the Wallaroos would have been pleased to see the back of the No 7 in the final quarter. 7.5

Alana Bremner: Flashed with ball in hand, highlighted by the flanker running a fantastic line to score a late try, and was a huge part of what was a fantastic defensive display. 8

Chelsea Bremner: Muscled up all night, and was rewarded when she clattered over the line in the second half. 7.5

Maiakawanakaulani Roos: Mixed plenty of good – she made some booming hits and carried powerfully all night – with a few handling errors, including one with the try-line in sight. 6

Tanya Kalounivale: What a weapon, as was evident when she looped around the back of a lineout, put on a dummy, before building up a head of steam and smashing her way through three defenders to score the game’s opening try on a night she was heavily utilised as a battering ram. Also made mincemeat of her opposite during a scrum. 8.5

Georgia Ponsonby: Hit on all of her lineout throws before was replaced in the 44th minute, while also carrying strongly and showing off her ability to offload. 8

Kate Henwood: A solid 44 minutes on debut before Krystal Murray replaced her. 6

Reserves

Luka Connor: Lineout didn’t miss a beat when she came on early in the second half. If anything, it was a surprise the try-scoring machine didn’t get on the board. 6.5

Krystal Murray: Monstered her opposite to help the Black Ferns earn a scrum penalty shortly after coming on. 7.5

Amy Rule: Like Murray, was heavily involved after coming on early in the second half. A luxury replacement. 7.5

Joanah Ngan-Woo: Last year’s World Cup hero didn’t make any highlight plays off the bench, but the lock forward was heavily involved as the visitors’ pack showed no sign of letting up. 7

Kendra Reynolds: Replaced Simon in the 58th minute and promptly dropped a pass to spoil a promising movement, but took her frustration out on a couple of Aussies defensively soon after. 6.5

Iritana Hohaia: The debutant halfback showed a crisp passing game in her half hour on the park, but did badly telegraph an intercept before she bagged a late try. 6.5

Rosie Kelly: N/R

Tenika Willison: N/R