The Black Ferns have been tested in the final match of the women's rugby season.
Photo: Photosport Ltd 2020
The world champions have held on for a 19-17 win over the New Zealand Barbarians in Nelson, after being held scoreless in the second-half.
The Black Ferns made a bright start, scoring two tries in the opening 10 minutes, and looked on course to better last week's 34-15 win over the Barbarians.
Prop Pip Love barged over in just the second minute of the match before hooker Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate dotted down from a line-out drive in the ninth minute.
But the Barbarians didn't roll over.
Captain Alana Bremner crossed for their first try in the 18th minute and a few minutes late prop Amy Rule scored to see the Baabaas level the match.
Barbarians first-five Patricia Maliepo kicks downfield during their match against the Black Ferns at Nelson. Photo: Photosport Ltd 2020
Young first-five Patricia Maliepo then kicked her second conversion to help the Barbarians snatch a 14-12 lead.
That is how it stayed until three minutes after the halftime hooter when the Black Ferns scored a contentious third try.
Love was awarded her second despite appearing to lose the ball before grounding it. Kendra Cocksedge converted the try to give the world champions a 19-17 halftime lead.
The Black Ferns were unable to add to their tally in the second-half with the only points coming from the boot of Maliepo, who kicked a penalty.
The Barbarians finished the match on attack, but knocked the ball forward as they attempted to snatch the win.
