New Zealand 18-12 Fiji: debutants push Kiwi Ferns to brink

New Zealand survived a serious opening-game scare at the Women’s Rugby League World Cup as debutants Fiji threatened an upset before Leianne Tufuga’s late try secured an 18-12 victory.

The Kiwi Ferns trailed 12-4 during the first half at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Sunday, and needed two Zahara Temara penalties to regain the lead after the interval.

Stacey Waaka scored twice, but it took a Raecene McGregor kick and Tufuga’s finish with three minutes remaining to settle a contest Fiji had made far more uncomfortable than New Zealand expected.

Fiji turn their World Cup debut into a genuine contest

Waaka’s second-minute opener suggested New Zealand might quickly take control. Instead, Fiji recovered to build an eight-point advantage.

Captain Sereana Naitokatoka broke from dummy half to send Losana Lutu over after 21 minutes, delivering Fiji’s first try at a Women’s World Cup. Sienna Laing then added their second.

Waaka’s reply helped cut the deficit to 12-10 before the break. According to the NRL’s match report, it was the first time New Zealand had trailed at half-time against a side other than Australia in the competition.

The second half offered further evidence that Fiji belonged. They repeatedly kept New Zealand out, forcing the Ferns to take the points available from penalties.

Temara’s first levelled the scores. Fiji then missed their own opportunity to move back ahead from the tee before another Temara penalty made it 14-12. McGregor finally found the decisive opening with a cross-field kick for Tufuga.

A defeat with substance for Fiji

The strongest evidence of Fiji’s competitiveness was how long the result remained uncertain. They took their lead into the second half and were still within two points until the closing minutes.

Coach Jone Wesele felt his players had established their credentials.

“They made their mark today. The girls brought it to their doorstep. We are not here to make up the numbers,” he said, as reported by AAP.

For a side making their tournament debut, that belief now has a performance behind it. The next challenge is turning their defensive resistance and attacking ambition into a first World Cup victory.

Waaka provides New Zealand’s brightest moments

Waaka was named player of the match after her two tries on her Kiwi Ferns debut.

New Zealand Rugby League also highlighted Mele Hufanga’s seven tackle breaks and Shannon Mato’s contribution of more than 100 running metres. Those individual performances helped the Ferns find a route through a difficult afternoon.

Coach Ricky Henry acknowledged that the performance had departed from the plan, while praising his players for finding a way to win.

What comes next?

Fiji face Papua New Guinea at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday 24 October.

New Zealand return home to play France at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch on Sunday 25 October, with both fixtures confirmed by International Rugby League.

In Group A, England opened with a 70-6 victory over Wales. New Zealand also have their opening win, but Fiji made them work considerably harder for it.