In a repeat of the 2013 final that saw Australia win their first World Cup just a few miles away at Headingley, the Jillaroos secure another hard-fought win to top their group and progress to the final four where they will play Papua New Guinea.
The 10-8 success means that runners up New Zealand, who had won both of their opening two matches, will face hosts England in the other semi-final. But they will fancy their chances of going all the way to the final, where they will hope to gain revenge on likely finalists Australia.
Many thought they would be simply swept to one side tonight, but instead they put in a performance that changed opinions. They proved they could compete with the very best, and proved they have what it takes to win this World Cup, even if they now have to do it the hard way.
READ MORE:
- Wane bemused by World Cup conspiracies
- Luke Thompson recalled by England
- England secure big win over PNG
Raecene McGregor, their standout player throughout, put in a stunning last ditch tackle that denied an early try as New Zealand did brilliantly in the opening moments to keep out this Australia side. The 2022 NRLW Dally M Medal winner came from nowhere to stop a certain try.
Having kept their rivals out, the Kiwi Ferns then went on the offensive as they ruffled a few feathers in the Aussie backline. Ali Brigginshaw then lost the ball when she should have opened the scoring but on the 20 minute mark Australia did finally break through. Tarryn Aiken escaped two two tackles to get the ball grounded and after a quarter of the match of hard graft, the huge favourites could finally breathe a sigh of relief. Captain Brigginshaw added the extras and Australia had a 6-0 lead.
But this was an incredibly spirited display for New Zealand and they weren’t ready to lie down. A wonderful kick from McGregor bounced up perfectly over the Aussie defence and Apii Nicholls took full advantage to cross next to the post. It was the first try Brad Donald’s team have conceded this tournament Brianna Clark missed the conversion from close range with her boot which left Australia two points ahead.
The Kiwi Ferns race into the lead against their Trans-Tasman rivals!
Still 23 minutes to go 👀
📺 Watch the #RLWC2021 on @BBCThree and @BBCiPlayer
#BBCRL
An uncharacteristic knock on near their own tryline proved how rattled Australia were by their opponents, but the Kiwi Ferns couldn’t take advantage and went into the break two points behind.
New Zealand continued where they left off in the second half and got their second try after a wonderful breakaway saw them steal a march on their opponents and Page McGregor then set up Autumn-Rain Stephens Daly on the wing, who delightfully put the underdogs ahead. Clark once again missed with the boot, so the Kiwi Ferns led 8-6.
But the Jillaroos were soon back in front as Julia Robinson got her sixth try of the World Cup as she found space on the right wing, where she has been so clinical this tournament. For all of New Zealand’s strong play, the Aussies were back in front. The conversion was missed, but now 10-8 in front, this was by far their toughest test.
New Zealand came back again in the final moments but couldn’t break through and it was Australia who held on for a massive win. England will be in for a huge test in the semi-final and Kiwi Ferns won’t have given up on their unlikely World Cup dream. This performance tonight shows they can go all the way.
