League: Kiwi Ferns eye end to the Jillaroos' World Cup dominance

The Kiwi Ferns’ forward pack has been a driving force behind their dominance this World Cup, with the New Zealand side refusing to shy away from their final hurdle to glory.

The Kiwi Ferns’ dominant semi-final win over Fetu Sāmoa has set up a fourth consecutive World Cup final showdown against the Australian Jillaroos, with New Zealand determined to come out on top this time.

Speaking with PMN News, Kiwi Ferns winger Leianne Tufuga credits the work of her fellow Pacific teammates as a key strength behind the side’s success.

The Kiwi-born Sāmoan says this year's squad is the strongest team she has been part of since her debut in 2023, with the forward pack bringing an intensity that lifts the morale of the entire team.

“We’ve shown a lot of dominance and strength, as well as power this year. Just in regards to our forwards.

“We have someone like Otesa Pule, and Ivana Lauitiiti… I just absolutely love them on the field. They’re so strong and bring the dominance with us, and actually help us push forward… and help motivate us to keep going too.”

The Kiwi Ferns have won only one of their last 12 Tests against the Jillaroos. Photo/NRL Images.

On the hunt for their next World Cup title, the 24-year-old acknowledges the quality of the Jillaroos, expecting them to come out hard from the first whistle.

Taking the occasion in full stride is dual-code phenomenon Stacey Waaka, who told NRL Media that getting the job done on Sunday is well within the side’s reach.

“At the end of the day, any team is beatable. But if we’re going to beat them, we have to be clinical in every area.

“We’ve been building over the weeks, and we’re trying to fine-tune things, and I think it’s coming together really well.”

Waaka has stamped her mark on the campaign, with the centre scoring nine tries in four World Cup appearances.

Neither Tufuga nor Waaka were part of the last World Cup, where the Jillaroos hammered New Zealand 54-4, going on to win the last three World Cup finals against the Kiwi Ferns.

Ahead of Sunday's grand finale, Tufuga says preparations have been building nicely.

“We’ve just been focusing on, just owning our role and making sure that our game plan is structured. We’re also just making sure that we’re… being present and just getting the job done.”

Kick-off: 6.10pm (NZT) Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Team lists:

Kiwi Ferns: 1. Apii Nicholls 2. Leianne Tufuga 3. Mele Hufanga 4. Stacey Waaka 5. Mackenzie Wiki 6. Chantay Kiria-Ratu 7. Raecene McGregor 8. Alexis Tauaneai 9. Georgia Hale 10. Otesa Pule 11. Shaniece Monschau 12. Kaiyah Atai 13. Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa. Interchange: 14. Ashleigh Quinlan 15. Annessa Biddle 16. Shannon Mato 17. Ivana Lauitiiti.

Jillaroos: 1. Tamika Upton 2. Jamie Chapman 3. Jessica Sergis 4. Isabelle Kelly 5. Abbi Church 6. Jesse Southwell 7. Tarryn Aiken 8. Millie Elliot 9. Olivia Higgins 10. Simaima Taufa 11. Tiana Penitani Gray 12. Shaylee Bent 13. Olivia Kernick. Interchange: 14. Keeley Nizza 15. Keilee Joseph 16. Kezie Apps 17. Sariah Paki.