New Zealand secure their final place
The Kiwi Ferns defeated Samoa 32-0 at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Saturday, November 7, to reach the women’s Rugby League World Cup final. Stacey Waaka scored three tries, while captain Raecene McGregor helped shape the win with her kicking.
New Zealand led 8-0 at halftime. Samoa kept the contest competitive through repeat sets and physical defence, but could not turn that pressure into points.
Waaka and McGregor help open the gap
Mackenzie Wiki scored in the second minute before Waaka collected a McGregor chip for New Zealand’s other first-half try. After the break, McGregor found Waaka with another kick, and the conversion made it 14-0 after 45 minutes.
Mele Hufanga and Kaiya Atai added tries in successive sets. Waaka then completed her hat-trick from an Annessa Biddle pass, and McGregor crossed late to finish the scoring.
The final opponent is still to be decided
The Kiwi Ferns will face the winner of Australia’s Jillaroos against Fiji’s Bulikula, whose semi-final is on Sunday. The NRL report lists the women’s World Cup final for November 15.
The linked official report includes the full-time result and key plays. New Zealand’s final place is confirmed; this result does not decide the other semi-final or award the championship.
