New Zealand have their sights on defending the women's Pacific Championships crown after booking their place in next week’s final with a 36-0 victory over Papua New Guinea on Sunday.
The Kiwi Ferns controlled the contest from the outset, running in seven tries, including a hat-trick for debutant Mackenzie Wiki, the daughter of Kiwis legend Ruben Wiki, in stifling conditions in Port Moresby.
LATEST HEADLINES:
The win sets up a date with the Jillaroos in next Sunday’s women's Pacific Cup final at Sydney's CommBank Stadium (kick-off 3.50pm NZ Time), a rematch of last year’s decider.
The Kiwi Ferns claimed a shock 12-6 upset on that occasion, however they fell to Australia 14-0 in Christchurch last week.
Sunday’s win was a solid tune up, however, they will have to tidy up a number of areas of their game to defend their title.
Papua New Guinea were much improved in their second contest of the tournament but they struggled to build pressure on their opponents and New Zealand’s class eventually shone through.
The Orchids will now play Bowl winners Samoa in the promotion-relegation battle at CommBank Stadium next Sunday, with the winner to join the Cup division in next year’s Pacific Championships.
After Kiwi Ferns wing Leianne Tufuga scored in the opening minute, Papua New Guinea fought bravely throughout the first half, staying within four points of the Kiwi Ferns until Tufuga crossed for her second in the 23rd minute.
Angelina Teakaraanga-Kato charged over moments later to make it 16-0 but the visitors were not able to extend the lead before half-time.
The Orchids had the better of the early chances in the second half but they were unable to break through and the visitors quickly turned defence into attack.
Wiki broke the half open in the 44th minute, later adding a second that sent New Zealand on their way. Ash Quinlan put the visitors up 32-0 before Wiki completed her hat-trick to secure the 36-point win.
Kiwi Ferns 36 (Leianne Tufuga 2, Angelina Teakaraanga-Kato, Mackenzie Wiki 3, Ash Quinlan tries; Tyla King 4 con) Papua New Guinea Orchids 0. HT: 16-0