New Zealand’s women’s rugby league team produced a nerve-shredding performance in their Women’s Rugby League World Cup opener, fighting back from 12-4 down at halftime to defeat debutant Fiji 18-12 and avoid a shock upset.
The Ferns found themselves in a precarious position during the first half, allowing Fiji to establish an early stranglehold on the encounter. However, a dramatic second-half turnaround saw New Zealand’s attacking play click into gear, combining tries and penalty kicks to snatch victory from what appeared to be slipping away.
Head coach Ricky Henry’s side demonstrated the character required to overturn the deficit, though the experience left its mark on their mentor. “I’ve not really got any nails left. Or teeth,” Henry remarked after the match, capturing the intensity of the second-half battle.
Fijian Threat Subdued
The performance proved tighter than many would have anticipated for New Zealand against opponents making their World Cup debut. Fiji’s opening-match intensity kept the Ferns under sustained pressure throughout a tense encounter that demanded tactical adjustments and renewed intensity after the interval.
New Zealand’s squad featured several key contributors, including captain Sereana Naitokatoka, alongside players Stacey Waaka, Losana Lutu, Sienna Laing, Zehara Temara, Raecene McGregor, Leianne Tufuga, and Georgia Hale, all of whom played roles in securing the crucial opening-round victory.
The win marks an important start to New Zealand’s World Cup campaign, though their ability to turn around a 12-point deficit highlighted both their resilience and the competitive nature of the tournament format.