New Zealand put together a seven-try second half blitz to record a dominant 38-0 victory over Papua New Guinea in its final pool match at the women's Rugby League World Cup last night.
Despite the Ferns crossing for two tries in the opening 10 minutes, the Orchids were able to hold out an array of attacking raids to keep the score to just 8-0 at half-time.
Their efforts were to no avail, however, as the Ferns put together a clinical second stanza with Annetta Nuuausala and Maitua Feterika inspiring the hard-fought win.
Luisa Gago gave New Zealand the early buffer as she zig-zagged her way through multiple Orchids defenders to sneak her way over the try-line.
It wasn't long before the Kiwi Ferns extended their lead after fullback Raecene McGregor crashed over for their second unanswered try.
Papua New Guinea showed resilience with some committed goal-line defence holding out a third Ferns try, but their defensive success didn't translate to ball-in-hand with New Zealand holding out at the opposing end.
Both teams were fighting valiantly in a hard-hitting contest that saw some brutal tackles on either side of the ball, and New Zealand looked to have finally made a breakthrough with Feterika slicing through only to knock the ball forward just metres out from the try line.
Moments later a scorching kick at the opposing end from PNG halfback Amelia Kuk ricocheted off the post and was planted down by the scrambling Orchids attackers but the video referee ruled there was a knock-on in the process of scoring.
As their only chance went begging, they were able to maintain the eight-point deficit at halftime.
The Ferns began the second half with some great lead-up play from McGregor and Georgia Hale as they broke the line to earn their side great field position, but the scrambling PNG defence was able to hold out the raid.
New Zealand thought it had grabbed a much-needed try just a few tackles later after a classy backline movement saw Feterika crash over in the right-hand corner but some desperate defence from Male Mar stripped the ball loose.
Despite their gallant efforts, the Orchids couldn't stop winger Hilda Peters scoring in the opposite corner after a swift right-to-left shift. Ngatokotoru Arakua was unable to convert from the sideline as the Ferns held onto a handy 12-0 lead.
With a wave of momentum behind them, the Ferns were able to strike shortly after with centre Amber Kani crossing the line before Feterika scored their fifth unanswered try in similar fashion just two minutes later.
Although conceding three tries within a relentless 15 minute period, PNG clawed its way back with Joan Kuman going close to scoring but she was forced into touch by the gutsy Ferns defence.
Their defensive efforts were rewarded with a four-pointer at the opposite end after some barnstorming runs through the middle-third gave them valuable field position, before going through the hands to give Atawhai Tupaea open space and give them a 26-point lead with just over 20 minutes remaining.
Brimming with confidence, the Ferns weren't afraid to throw the ball around and they found themselves scoring a contender for try of the tournament with a series of offloads eventually leading to Racquel Anderson crossing for their seventh try of the match. Anderson was unable to convert her own try as the Ferns ran away with a comfortable 30-0 lead with 15 minutes remaining in the contest.
Annetta Nuuausala and Kani put the icing on the cake in the closing stages.
In the other matches, the Jillaroos demolished Canada 88-0 while the Cook Islands stunned England 22-16.
In Sunday's semi-finals, the Kiwi Ferns will meet England and the Jillaroos will take on Canada.
MATCH DETAILS
Southern Cross Group Stadium, Sydney
Kiwi Ferns 38 (Amber Kani 2, Luisa Gago, Raecene McGregor, Hilda Peters, Maitua Feterika, Atawhai Tupaea, Racquel Anderson, Annetta Nuuausala tries; Racquel Anderson conversion).
Papua New Guinea Orchids 0.
Halftime: 8-0 Kiwi Ferns.
Referee: Tyson Brough (Australia).
