New Zealand Women's Rugby League Team Escapes World Cup Upset Against Fiji
The Ferns conceded late tries but ultimately secured a victory after a shaky performance.
New Zealand's women's rugby league team, the Ferns, narrowly avoided a World Cup upset in their opening match, coming from behind to defeat debutants Fiji. Despite an early lead, the Ferns struggled to maintain control, ultimately relying on late penalty kicks and a final try to secure a 20-14 victory.
"The good thing is we found a way, but the way we played is not what we should," New Zealand player Georgia Hale commented after the match. "We went away from what we were meant to do, so we are a little disappointed there. Rustiness is not an excuse."
New Zealand opened the scoring within the first two minutes through Stacey Waaka. However, Fiji responded impressively, with Losana Lutu scoring their first women's World Cup try after a clever run from skipper Sereana Naitokatoka. Sienna Laing then extended Fiji's lead, putting the possibility of an upset firmly on the table.
Waaka managed to score her second try before halftime, narrowing the deficit. In the second half, Fiji's defense held firm until New Zealand eventually drew level and then took the lead via two penalty kicks from Zehara Temara. The win was confirmed in the final minutes when Raecene McGregor's cross-field kick found Leianne Tufuga for the decisive try.
"We didn't put any expectations on ourselves, but they played like they had nothing to lose," Hale added. "They tested our waters for sure. Everything was in our control, then we lost it. It was uncharacteristically ill-disciplined, untidy play."
New Zealand will face France in Christchurch in their next Group B match, while Fiji is scheduled to play Papua New Guinea.
In the men's competition, Fiji secured a dominant 40-12 victory over the Cook Islands in Newcastle. The men's team, despite a turbulent build-up including a coaching change and the retirement of captain Tui Kamikamica due to a stroke, ran in seven tries. They will face reigning champions Australia in their next fixture, with coach Mick Potter expressing confidence in their ability to challenge the tournament favorites.