New Zealand women were given a World Cup “wake-up call” after being forced to come from behind to beat debutants Fiji 18-12 in their Women’s Rugby League World Cup opener in Newcastle on Sunday. The Ferns, the tournament’s joint most successful team, trailed for the first time ever at half-time in a World Cup match.
New Zealand celebrate against Fiji (Credits: BBC Sport)
Ferns Stunned by Fiji’s Fearless Start
New Zealand are one of the most successful teams in women’s rugby league history — they have reached the final of all six World Cups, winning the first three before finishing runners-up to Australia in the previous three. Generally considered second favourites this time around, they were expected to ease past the debutant Fijians.
Instead, New Zealand had to battle. Stacey Waaka crossed after just two minutes to suggest a routine day, but Fiji grew into the match and scored after 21 minutes when skipper Sereana Naitokatoka made a clever run from dummy half to find Losana Lutu for Fiji’s first-ever Women’s World Cup try. When Sienna Laing extended the lead five minutes later, the upset was suddenly on — New Zealand were 12-10 down at the break, the first time they had ever trailed at half-time in a World Cup.
Second-Half Fightback Seals It
Fiji’s staunch defence continued to hold firm after the interval, but the pressure eventually told as New Zealand levelled the scores and then took the lead through Zehara Temara penalty kicks. The win was not secured until the final minutes, when Raecene McGregor’s cross-field kick found Leianne Tufuga to score the decisive try.
Head coach Ricky Henry was relieved but honest afterward: “I’ve not really got any nails left. Or teeth. The good thing is we found a way, but the way we played is not what we should. We went away from what we were meant to do, so we are a little disappointed there. Rustiness is not an excuse. I reckon it’s a wake-up call, and the girls will think so too.”
Player Georgia Hale added: “We didn’t put any expectations on ourselves, but they played like they had nothing to lose. They tested our waters for sure… It was definitely luck in the end.”
What’s Next in Group B?
New Zealand face France at home in Christchurch next, while Fiji take on Papua New Guinea. The Ferns escaped a massive shock — but Australia and the rest of Group B will have taken note of the blueprint.
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Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.
