'Harshest critics' - Ruby Tui says Black Ferns must improve for Australia

Black Ferns star Ruby Tui has blamed a lack of effort, discipline and accountability for her team's defeat to Canada in Christchurch.

Sunday's loss was the first time the Black Ferns have lost to Canada.

Their opponents' historic 22-19 victory allowed them to take out the Pacfic Four competition with one round remaining. New Zealand play Australia at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

“It’s disappointing but trust me, we’re the harshest critics on ourselves. We had some pretty honest conversations and we need to take those learnings and put that at the forefront for the next game,” said Tui.

Tui also said the team was looking to improve game management after some poor decision making hurt the Ferns in the closing stages of their defeat.

“I wish it was just one thing, but it's a number of things.”

Tui believed the loss had come at a good time for the side 17 months out from the World Cup.

“I think it’s perfect timing for a bit of a shake up, we want healthy competition in our team…our squad is going to change a lot in the next 17 months.”

The Ferns take on their trans-Tasman rivals with the O’Reilly Cup on the line as well as being the final match for the Pacific Four series.

The Kiwis can reduce Australia’s chances of making the Rugby World Cup this weekend as the Wallaroos sit last in the Pacific Four standings.

The Wallaroos have already lost their matches against Canada and the US, so a Black Ferns victory would force the Australians to play in the WXV 2 competition later this year.

The last time the two sides met was last year, with the Black Ferns thumping the Wallaroos 50-0.

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