The Kiwi Ferns have picked up their first victory over the Jillaroos in 7 years following a 12-6 win over Australia in a pretty poor game at AAMI Park.
Both sides were below par with the handling of both sides well below expectations and the quality of football was pretty poor at times as well. The Jillaroos had much of possession but couldn't pose too many questions other than a ninth minute try to Jaimie Chapman who went over after some good work from Tarryn Aiken.
The Jillaroos struggled to complete their sets though they were able to cross for a second time when Tamika Upton got the ball off an Olivia Kernick offload and got over. Unfortunately for the Jillaroos, the bunker overturned the call as Upton lost possession of the ball prior to getting it to the ground.
The defence of the Kiwi Ferns was strong as the Jillaroos kept knocking on the door and eventually the New Zealanders were able to crack the Australian line when Mele Hufunga was able to use her strength to get over the line from close range. Raecene McGregor was able to convert on the stroke of halftime to lock the scores at 6-6.
It was more of the same for the second half with both sides struggling to hold on the ball but it was the Kiwi Ferns that got over next when Apii Nicholls scored after some good work. The Kiwi Ferns lead was short lived though because the bunker overturned Belinda Sharpe's try decision due to an obstruction in the lead up.
The Australians had most of the attacking opportunities but it was the Kiwi Ferns who scored a late try to score a historic win when Leianne Tufuga scored out wide thanks to some Apii Nicholls magic with a strong pass out wide.
The converted try gave New Zealand a 12-6 lead and they held onto that to the dying seconds of the game which saw the Aussies try desperately until the end but they couldn't take advantage and NZ made history.