The New Zealand Kiwi Ferns have sealed their place in the Women's Rugby League World Cup semi-final stage with a 34-4 victory over a gallant Cook Islands side at LNER Community Stadium in York tonight.
The Kiwi Ferns came into this one as hot favourites to secure a rampaging victory against a Cook Islands side that didn't have the levels of NRLW participation on display in the New Zealand side. But, the Cook Islands side can be very proud of their display here tonight and should consider themselves a good chance against France in their final group match.
It was an uphill battle from the get-go for the Cook Islands after losing co-captain and chief playmaker Kimiora Breayley-Nati to a game-ending head knock two minutes into the game. Without their attacking genius, the going was only going to get tougher. The New Zealand scoring began inside the first ten minutes when Dally M female player of the year Raecene McGregor crossed inside the first ten minutes of play after selling the defence a massive dummy to score. Five minutes later, the Kiwi Ferns added their second try of the contest when Krystal Rota crossed out wide, beating the cover defence for an eight-point lead.
The Cook Islands' defence was able to hold for the most part, but they conceded one more try in the first half. Rampaging forward Amber Hall found her way to the line, beating three would-be tacklers on her way to the line to set up a 14-0 advantage. The only thing not going right for the Kiwi Ferns was goal-kicking, the first two kicks of the night were unsuccessful and it was only a 14-point lead at half-time.
New Zealand started the stronger side after the break crossing for the first two tries of the second half. McGregor continued her purple patch of form during the World Cup when the Roosters half crossed for her second try when off the back of a long break, she was able to cross out of the dummy half and extend the margin for the Kiwi Ferns. This was extended minutes later when the test debutant Mele Hufanga crossed in the corner off a sweeping play and the scoreboard was beginning to blow out.
But, give credit where it's due. The Cook Islands defence held in there and was able to reduce the gap with their first international try against New Zealand. Mackenzie Wiki's try in the corner 14 minutes from time gave the Cook Islands their first-ever points against the Kiwi Ferns. A professional foul by Maleyna Hunapo forced more defensive pressure upon the Cook Islands which they handled well for the most part until Hufanga collected her double nine minutes from time. Before Broncos NRLW prop Annetta Nu'uausala crashed over for her side's seventh try in the final minute to seal a 30 point victory for New Zealand.