The Black Ferns produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat Canada 36-14 in the 2026 Pacific Four Series match in Kansas City, overturning a 14-5 halftime deficit in what was a rematch of the 2025 Rugby World Cup semi-final.

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Match Snapshot
Key Stats
  • 31 unanswered points in second half RugbyPass
  • Black Ferns 117th Test victory AllBlacks.com
  • Match delayed over 3 hours due to severe weather RugbyPass
Series Context
Next Fixtures
  • Black Ferns vs Australia next Saturday AllBlacks.com
  • Win over Australia secures Pacific Four title AllBlacks.com

Final Score: Black Ferns 36-14 Canada | Competition: Pacific Four Series | Location: Kansas City | Date: April 18, 2026 | Black Ferns Comeback: From 5-14 halftime deficit

The match report shows a dramatic turnaround after the weather delay, with the Black Ferns dominating possession and territory in the second half.

Team Tries Conversions Halftime Final Score
Black Ferns 6 3 (Renee Holmes) 5 36
Canada 2 1 (Claire Gallagher) 14 14

Key confirmed facts from the match report:

Fact Value Source
Winner Black Ferns RugbyPass match report
Score 36-14 AllBlacks.com official recap
Halftime Canada 14-5 AllBlacks.com official recap
Venue CPKC Stadium, Kansas City Rugby Canada official report
Series Pacific Four 2026 Rugby Canada official report

Did Canada beat New Zealand today?

No, Canada did not beat New Zealand today. The Black Ferns defeated Canada 36-14 in the 2026 Pacific Four Series match held in Kansas City on April 18, 2026 RugbyPass. Canada led 14-5 at halftime, but the Black Ferns responded with 31 unanswered points in the second half to secure a convincing victory AllBlacks.com.

Match Outcome

The Black Ferns produced a dominant second-half performance to overturn the halftime deficit. After trailing 14-5 at the interval, New Zealand scored six tries in the second half while keeping Canada scoreless AllBlacks.com.

Halftime Score

Canada led 14-5 at halftime after scoring two tries and a conversion in the first half. The Black Ferns’ only points came from a single try and conversion AllBlacks.com.

Final Result

The final score was Black Ferns 36, Canada 14. This victory marked the Black Ferns’ 117th Test victory and avenged their 34-19 defeat to Canada in the 2025 Rugby World Cup semi-final AllBlacks.com.

The pattern: Canada’s dominance faded after the weather delay, with the Black Ferns winning the second half 31-0. This mirrors their 2023 encounter when the Black Ferns won 52-21 in Ottawa.

How can I watch the Black Ferns game today?

To watch Black Ferns matches, you can access live coverage through several platforms depending on your location AllBlacks.com.

Streaming Options

In New Zealand, Sky Sport Now provides comprehensive coverage of Black Ferns matches. The platform offers live streaming alongside match commentary and analysis NZ Herald.

TV Broadcasts

For international viewers, check local rugby broadcasters in your region. The Pacific Four Series matches are broadcast across multiple markets through various rights holders Rugby Canada.

Live Updates

If full broadcasts are unavailable, allblacks.com and official team social media accounts provide live text updates and match statistics AllBlacks.com.

How to watch Canada vs New Zealand rugby?

Canada vs New Zealand rugby matches are available through multiple viewing options for fans worldwide Rugby Canada.

Platforms

The official Rugby Canada website and allblacks.com both provide match coverage, including live updates, highlights, and post-match analysis Rugby Canada official report.

Regional Access

Access varies by region. North American viewers can check local sports networks, while Pacific Island and New Zealand audiences typically have access through Sky Sport and free-to-air partners AllBlacks.com pre-match preview.

Upcoming Matches

The Black Ferns face Australia next Saturday in a match that will determine the Pacific Four Series champions. Check allblacks.com for confirmed broadcast details AllBlacks.com.

“Defence dominated the first quarter of the match, but attack dominated the final quarter, and it was the Kiwis who led that final charge, scoring 31 unanswered points in the second half to win 36-14.”

— Ned Lester, RugbyPass Journalist RugbyPass

The implication: The Black Ferns’ second-half surge demonstrates their ability to dominate after halftime adjustments, a critical factor heading into the title-deciding match against Australia.

Who is favourite to win the women’s Rugby World Cup?

The women’s Rugby World Cup favorites shift based on recent performances. England has been favored in betting markets, while the Black Ferns remain strong contenders with their historical success in the tournament AllBlacks.com pre-match preview.

Current Odds

Based on recent form and historical performance, England leads betting odds for the women’s Rugby World Cup, followed closely by New Zealand and Canada AllBlacks.com.

Top Contenders

Canada entered the 2025 Rugby World Cup as runners-up, demonstrating their growing strength in women’s rugby. The Black Ferns, with their 117 Test victories, continue to be major title contenders AllBlacks.com.

Black Ferns Chances

This victory over Canada, who beat them in the 2025 semi-final, significantly boosts the Black Ferns’ confidence and positioning heading into future World Cup campaigns AllBlacks.com.

“Their 117th Test victory was arguably better than that historic footnote, whitewashing a recent nemesis 31-0 in the second half to flip a 14-5 deficit at the interval.”

— AllBlacks.com Official Site AllBlacks.com

What was the Black Ferns vs Canada score?

The Black Ferns defeated Canada 36-14 in their Pacific Four Series encounter. The match was played on April 18, 2026, in Kansas City RugbyPass match report.

Detailed Breakdown

Black Ferns try scorers included Kennedy Tukuafu, Kaipo Olsen-Baker (2 tries), Mererangi Paul, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, and Amy du Plessis. Renee Holmes converted three of the six tries AllBlacks.com.

Key Moments

The match began with Canada controlling the first half, leading 14-5 at the interval. The Black Ferns then launched a remarkable comeback, scoring 31 consecutive points in the second half after a three-hour weather delay RugbyPass.

Player Performances

Mererangi Paul continued her impressive form, adding to her Pacific Four record of 16 line breaks. Asia Hogan-Rochester scored Canada’s tries, with Claire Gallagher adding the conversion AllBlacks.com.

What this means: Canada’s 11 wins from their last 12 Tests before this match highlights the significance of the Black Ferns’ victory as a statement win against a resurgent Canadian side.

Are the Black Ferns games on Sky?

Yes, Sky Sport Now is the primary broadcaster for Black Ferns matches in New Zealand, offering live streaming and comprehensive coverage NZ Herald live updates.

Sky Sport Coverage

Sky Sport Now provides home of live sport coverage in New Zealand, including all Black Ferns Pacific Four Series matches and international fixtures AllBlacks.com.

Alternatives

For those without Sky subscriptions, free-to-air alternatives and international streaming platforms may offer select matches. Check local listings for availability Rugby Canada.

Subscription Info

Sky Sport Now offers flexible subscription options. Visit skysportnow.co.nz for current packages and pricing information AllBlacks.com.

Black Ferns vs Canada match history

The Black Ferns and Canada have developed a storied rivalry in women’s rugby, with recent encounters showing increased competitiveness from the Canadian side AllBlacks.com pre-match preview.

Previous Encounters

Canada achieved their first-ever victory over the Black Ferns in 2024 with a 22-19 win. Prior to that, the Black Ferns had dominated the matchup, including a 52-21 victory in Ottawa in 2023 AllBlacks.com.

Recent Form

Canada entered this match having won 11 of their last 12 Tests, including a victory over Australia in the Pacific Four opening round. The 2025 Rugby World Cup semi-final victory (34-19) over the Black Ferns demonstrated Canada’s rise AllBlacks.com.

Head-to-Head

The teams have met multiple times in Pacific Four Series competition, including a 27-27 draw in the previous series. The Black Ferns now lead the overall head-to-head record significantly AllBlacks.com.

The implication: The Black Ferns’ victory proves they have recovered from their World Cup semi-final loss, positioning them strongly to retain the Pacific Four title with a win over Australia next.

Match Timeline

The timeline shows the progression of events leading up to this pivotal Pacific Four Series match.

Date/Period Event Source
April 2026 Canada defeats Black Ferns 34-19 in Rugby World Cup semi-final, Bristol RugbyPass
Week before April 18, 2026 Black Ferns defeat USA 48-15, Pacific Four Round 1, Sacramento NZ Herald
Opening round 2026 Canada defeats Australia 24-0, Pacific Four Round 1 Rugby Canada
April 18, 2026 Black Ferns vs Canada match, 3+ hour weather delay, Kansas City AllBlacks YouTube highlights
April 18, 2026 Black Ferns win 36-14 after second-half dominance RugbyPass match report
Next Saturday after April 18, 2026 Black Ferns vs Australia for Pacific Four title AllBlacks.com
Additional sources

allblacks.com, eagles.rugby

The Black Ferns’ commanding 36-14 triumph over Canada underscores their form ahead of major tournaments like the 2025 Womens Rugby World Cup claimed by England.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Did Canada beat New Zealand today?

No, Canada did not beat New Zealand today. The Black Ferns defeated Canada 36-14 on April 18, 2026, in Kansas City. Canada led 14-5 at halftime, but the Black Ferns scored 31 unanswered points in the second half to win 36-14.

What was the Black Ferns vs Canada score?

The Black Ferns defeated Canada 36-14. Try scorers for New Zealand included Kennedy Tukuafu, Kaipo Olsen-Baker (2), Mererangi Paul, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, and Amy du Plessis. Renee Holmes kicked three conversions.

Where was the match played?

The match was played at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, USA. The match was delayed over three hours due to severe weather before eventually getting underway.

How did Black Ferns come back?

The Black Ferns came back by dominating the second half with 31 unanswered points. After trailing 14-5 at halftime, they scored six tries in the second half while keeping Canada scoreless. The comeback was aided by halftime adjustments and strong possession dominance.

Who scored in the game?

For the Black Ferns: Kennedy Tukuafu, Kaipo Olsen-Baker (2), Mererangi Paul, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, and Amy du Plessis. Renee Holmes kicked 3 conversions. For Canada: Asia Hogan-Rochester scored their tries and Claire Gallagher converted one.

What is the Pacific Four Series?

The Pacific Four Series is an international women’s rugby competition featuring New Zealand (Black Ferns), Canada, USA, and Australia. The 2026 edition is being held in the United States, with the Black Ferns defending champions.

When is the next Black Ferns match?

The Black Ferns face Australia next Saturday in the final round of the Pacific Four Series. A win would secure the series title for New Zealand.

How does this win affect Rugby World Cup positioning?

This victory was crucial as it avenged the 2025 Rugby World Cup semi-final loss to Canada. The win boosts the Black Ferns’ confidence and demonstrates their ability to overcome teams that have previously beaten them.

Confirmed Facts

  • Black Ferns defeated Canada 36-14 in the 2026 Pacific Four Series match in Kansas City RugbyPass match report
  • The match was delayed over three hours due to severe weather RugbyPass
  • Black Ferns scored 31 unanswered points in the second half to overcome a 14-5 halftime deficit RugbyPass
  • Canada led 14-5 at halftime AllBlacks.com
  • This was the Black Ferns’ 117th Test victory AllBlacks.com
  • Black Ferns try scorers: Kennedy Tukuafu, Kaipo Olsen-Baker (2), Mererangi Paul, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Amy du Plessis AllBlacks.com
  • Renee Holmes converted 3 tries for Black Ferns AllBlacks.com
  • Canada’s Asia Hogan-Rochester scored their tries; Claire Gallagher converted one AllBlacks.com
  • The match was coached by Whitney Hansen for Black Ferns NZ Herald
  • Black Ferns previously beat USA 48-15 in the opening round in Sacramento NZ Herald
  • Canada beat Australia 24-0 in the Pacific Four opening round Rugby Canada official report
  • Canada ended Black Ferns’ Rugby World Cup reign 34-19 in the 2025 semi-final in Bristol AllBlacks.com
  • Previous Black Ferns win over Canada was 52-21 in Ottawa 2023 AllBlacks.com
  • Teams drew 27-27 in the previous Pacific Four Series AllBlacks.com
  • Black Ferns are defending Pacific Four champions AllBlacks.com
  • Canada were 2025 Rugby World Cup runners-up AllBlacks.com
  • Canada won 11 of their last 12 Tests before this match AllBlacks.com
  • Mererangi Paul has the most line breaks in Pacific Four history (16) AllBlacks.com
  • 210 days after World Cup semi-final loss RugbyPass

Unconfirmed/Medium Confidence Items

  • Kennedy Tokolahi scored first try for Black Ferns at 58 seconds YouTube AllBlacks highlights (medium confidence)
  • Amy DuPlessis scored via interception late in the match YouTube AllBlacks highlights (medium confidence)
  • Canada lost cool down 24-14 AllBlacks.com (medium confidence)

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