Abigail Roache looks on as the final whistle is blown against Australia. Photo / Photosport
Kiwi Ferns 8
Jillaroos 10
The Kiwis Ferns have lost the battle — but could yet win the war.
The New Zealand team came close to a monumental upset against the Jillaroos in the Rugby League World Cup on Friday, before the back-to-back world champions eventually prevailed 10-8.
Both team scored two tries, with a sole Australian conversion the difference, while New Zealand missed a shot from in front in the final group B encounter.
It was a remarkable effort from the Ferns, who will face England in their semifinal on Tuesday, with Australia to play Papua New Guinea.
The Jillaroos were significant favourites before the match, having scored 160 points in their first two matches (31 tries) while not conceding a single point.
But no one told the Ferns.
They defended superbly — with outstanding commitment — and showed plenty of spark on attack, with halfback Raecene McGregor and back rower Amber Hall particularly prominent.
They pushed the highly touted Australians to the limit, with chances to win the match in the final minutes.
Friday’s match felt like a dress rehearsal for next weekend’s final and will give New Zealand confidence they can match the Jillaroos in the decider.
While there wasn’t much on the line, with both teams already through to the last four, the Ferns proved a point, given the widespread predictions of a heavy score line.
The star studded Australian machine never really clicked into gear — pressured into constant errors — while the Ferns’ attack improved as the match went on.
The New Zealand team set the tone from the start, with impressive defence.
Australia were immediately on the attack, helped by a couple of charitable officiating calls, but New Zealand repelled multiple sets on their line, with McGregor managing a try saver.
That gave the Ferns belief as they worked their way into the game.
Australia continued to dominate possession and territory and the Ferns finally cracked in the 19th minute, with Tarryn Aiken squeezing over between two defenders from close range.
But the New Zealand side didn’t waver. They maintained their intensity – with a good stop on centre Isabelle Kelly when she looked likely to score — then had their own moment of magic, with fullback Apii Nicholls collecting a well placed McGregor grubber in the 30th minute.
It came after an impressive set, before McGregor’s kick split the defence and Nicholls flashed through to dot down under considerable pressure.
Prop Brianna Clark missed the conversion from in front, striking the upright. But the Ferns were in the contest and lifted. They made strong surges down the right edge — with Hall prominent — and rattled the Australians, who began to make uncharacteristic mistakes.
The Ferns had a great chance on the stroke of halftime, with a full set on the Australian line, but knocked on at dummy half.
New Zealand continued to compete well, with punishing defence, which unsettled the Jillaroos. They took a surprise lead in the 54th minute, with winger Autumn-Rain Stephens Daly crossing in the corner after a swift backline move. The opportunity came after a steal from Mele Hufanga, who ran 30 metres before being cut down.
But the Ferns’ lead only lasted seven minutes, as Australia finished off a period of pressure with a try to winger Julia Robinson.
The massive defensive workload was starting to tell on the Kiwi Ferns, who struggled with their yardage game in the final quarter. But they still had chances — again prompted by Hall — but couldn’t find the decisive play, as the relieved Australians hung on.
Jillaroos 10 (Tarryn Aiken, Julia Robinson tries; Ali Brigginshaw con)
Kiwi Ferns 8 (Apii Nicholls, Autumn-Rain Stephens Daly tries)
Halftime: 6-4
The first half will raise questions about the Kiwis' focus, preparation and environment.