New Zealand's Kiwi Ferns secured a convincing 32-0 victory over Samoa on Saturday to book their place in next Sunday's Women's Rugby League World Cup final. The match, played in blustery conditions at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, New South Wales, saw Stacey Waaka score a hat-trick as the Kiwi Ferns advanced to their seventh consecutive final.
Dominant Display
New Zealand wasted no time asserting their authority. Mackenzie Wiki opened the scoring inside two minutes, capitalising on a Samoa error. Despite the difficult weather, the Kiwi Ferns showcased their attacking prowess and defensive solidity, keeping Samoa scoreless.
Waaka, a dual-code international, was instrumental in the victory. She displayed her sevens and rugby union background with searing breaks, accumulating 131 metres, two line breaks, a try assist, and three tackle breaks. Her first try came from a precise kick by Raecene McGregor, which she collected after some indecision from Samoa winger Mercedez Taulelei-Siala.
New Zealand's defense, which had conceded only 24 points in three group games, held firm. Samoa struggled to make the most of their field position, committing handling errors at crucial moments. Despite the loss, Samoa had bright spots: lock Fanua Rimoni was a powerful presence, and teenage winger Anastasia Leatupue impressed on debut.
In the second half, New Zealand turned on the style. Waaka scored her second from another McGregor kick, Mele Hufanga powered over despite three defenders, and Kaiyah Atai crossed shortly after. Waaka completed her hat-trick, and McGregor capped a fine individual performance with a deserved try.
The Kiwi Ferns will now face either Australia or Fiji in the final. Having won the first three finals between 2000 and 2008, New Zealand has lost their last three to Australia, including a 54-4 defeat four years ago. They will be hoping for fourth time lucky as they aim to become four-time champions.
Samoa's coach will take positives from the tournament, particularly the performances of young players like Leatupue, but will rue missed opportunities and errors that allowed New Zealand to dominate.
The final promises to be a thrilling encounter, with New Zealand eager to reclaim the title and Australia, if they progress, aiming to extend their dominance.
