Kiwi Ferns withstand Fiji Bulikula scare to seal late World Cup opening victory

The Kiwi Ferns survived a huge scare as they came from behind to win their Rugby League World Cup opener over Fiji Bulikula by 18-12 at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, Australia, on Sunday.

After Fiji surged to an eight-point lead with two tries midway through the first half, New Zealand struck back just before halftime through Stacey Waaka.

The Bulikula resistance continued well into the second half. The Kiwi Ferns opted for the penalty goal from right in front to level the scores 12-12 after 51 minutes.

Playing in their first-ever World Cup match, the Fijians pushed the Kiwis all the way, taking a lead into the break and refusing to go away until the final minutes.

New Zealand appeared on track for a smooth afternoon when cross-code star Waaka crossed in the second minute after Fiji turned the ball over early on their own line.

But the debutants quickly settled into the physical contest, using big forward carries and slick backline moves to put the Kiwi Ferns under pressure.

The Kiwi Ferns celebrate after coming from behind to secure a hard-fought 18-12 win over Fiji Bulikula in their World Cup opener. Photo/Facebook/NRL on Nine

The Bulikula got their reward midway through the first half when halfback Losana Lutu crashed over next to the posts after a powerful run by Lorren Ieli.

Fiji doubled down minutes later when Lutu rolled a kick through for Sienna Laing to chase, gather, and score, putting their side up 12-4.

Lutu highlighted the deep connection driving their performance on the world stage.

“It has been good just seeing everyone gel together and building that connection to culture,” she told Seven after the match. “We play for our families and there are a lot of little kids who look up to us, so we just want to make them proud.”

Facing an eight-point deficit, New Zealand clawed their way back just before halftime through individual brilliance.

Powerhouse centre Mele Hufanga broke clean through down the left edge before releasing Waaka for her second try of the match and cutting Fiji’s lead to 12-10 at the break.

The second half turned into a tense, physical battle as both sides traded mistakes and huge hits. New Zealand managed to draw level through a Zahara Temara penalty goal after Fiji were penalised for a high tackle.

Fiji had a golden opportunity to retake the lead when they were awarded a penalty right in front of the posts but playmaker Sereana Naitokatoka hooked her kick wide to leave the scores locked.

With five minutes left, Temara knocked over another penalty from right in front to give the Kiwi Ferns a 14-12 edge.

The match-sealer came two minutes later. Following a dropout, New Zealand shifted the ball right before halfback Raecene McGregor put in a pinpoint chip kick towards the corner to allow Tufuga to leap, gather, and dive over to secure the hard-fought win.

Despite the loss, the Seven commentary team said the performance showed that the rising Pacific nations are ready to challenge the traditional rugby league heavyweights.

Waaka, named player of the match, said the Fijians "brought it to us. It was a surprise for our girls. We've got some work to do but we'll be ready for it.

“I've played them alot on the 7s world series and you don't know what they are going to bring and they bring a different flair and they never give up," Waaka said in the media post-match interview. "Kudos to them and I'm really proud of them and wish them all the best for the rest of the tournament."

The action at McDonald Jones Stadium continues as the Fiji Bati men take on the Cook Islands in their opening World Cup clash after the Kiwi Ferns and Fiji Bulikula match.

Looking ahead to the next round, the Fiji Bulikula aim to bounce back when they take on Papua New Guinea on Saturday, 24 October at Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby. Kickoff is at 6.15pm NZT. The Kiwi Ferns will turn their focus to a showdown against France on Sunday, 25 October at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch England at 4pm NZT.

TEAMS

New Zealand Kiwi Ferns: Apii Nicholls, Stacey Waaka, Mele Hufanga, Abigail Roache, Leianne Tufuga, Zahara Temara, Raecene McGregor (c), Mya Hill-Moana, Georgia Hale, Shannon Mato, Otesa Pule, Annessa Biddle, Alexis Tauaneai. Interchange: Tiana Davison, Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa, Najvada George, Brooke Anderson, Tenika Willison.

Fiji Bulikula: Cassie Staples, Sienna Laing, Taina Naividi, Isabella Waterman, Maria Paseka, Luisa Yaranamua, Losana Lutu, Latisha Smythe, Sereana Naitokatoka, Leilani Ahsam, Elizabeth Naleba, Tamika Jones, Talei Holmes (c). Interchange: Anastasia Shum-Cottrell, Lorren Ieli, Vitalina Naikore, Grace Waqa, Naomi Tegu.