Upton stars on debut as Jillaroos overcome brave Kiwi-Ferns

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Australia (W) v New Zealand (W)

Tamika Upton has starred on international debut scoring two and causing all sorts of problems guiding the Jillaroos to a tight 16-10 win over an inexperienced but determined Kiwi-Ferns side in Townsville.

The Kiwi-Ferns were looking for revenge after last year's World Cup final massacre. It didn't start well for them with the home side crossing in the opening minutes of play. Despite some early handling errors, the Jillaroos looked the better of the two sides early. The Jillaroos caused problems in and around the ruck. Ali Brigginshaw saw the gaps in the ruck and went through, she linked up with test debutant Tamika Upton to cross in her maiden international appearance. Brigginshaw converted for an early 6-0 lead.

New Zealand made the Jillaroos pay for the poor mistake down their own end when Brigginshaw threw it forward. Raecene McGregor delivered a brilliant crossfield kick and the 2023 NRLW Rookie of the Year Annessa Biddle crosses for the Kiwi Ferns. McGregor's conversion fell short and they trailed by just two points.

The Kiwi-Ferns held strong and had the better of attacking chances for a prolonged period but were unable to make any inroads. The Jillaroos took advantage of their chances late in the half with set after set of attacking footy the Kiwi-Ferns simply couldn't defend a minute longer. A crash ball from Lauren Brown found Caitlan Johnston who crashed over to give the Jillaroos a bit of a buffer. Brigginshaw landed the kick for an eight point lead.

Apii Nicholls dropped a Brigginshaw grubber and the Jillaroos went into half-time a happy bunch. A quite simple scrum play saw Upton fool the defence as the outside defenders were more interested in Jess Sergis. Upton collected her second and the Jillaroos got into the break, up by two converted tries.

New Zealand capitalised on field position and Tyla Nathan-Wong turned it on the inside to Mele Hufanga. Hufunga beat a mountain of defenders on her way to the line. McGregor converted and the gap was back to 6. Australia had several chances with Upton causing all sorts of problems but on a number of occasions, the movement fell through for the Jillaroos.

New Zealand had chances to draw level deep into the second half but the Jillaroos goal line defence held firm. The night ended on a sour note with Biddle sin-binned for a spear tackle on Brigginshaw.