In a dazzling display of skill and power, the New Zealand Kiwi Ferns annihilated the Papua New Guinea Orchids 36-0 in their Pacific Cup clash in Port Moresby. The commanding victory sets up a mouth-watering final against their arch-rivals, the Australian Jillaroos, in a battle for Pacific supremacy.
Wiki’s Wonder Debut
Winger Mackenzie Wiki, daughter of Kiwi legend Ruben Wiki, had a debut to remember, crossing for a sensational hat-trick. Wiki’s blistering speed, honed in the NRLW with the Canberra Raiders, proved too much for the Orchids’ defense to handle.
Mackenzie’s performance today was simply outstanding. To score three tries on debut is a testament to her talent and potential. She has a bright future ahead of her in the black and white jersey.
– Kiwi Ferns Head Coach, Ricky Henry
Broughton’s Brilliance
Orchestrating the Ferns’ attack was standoff Gayle Broughton, who had a hand in all three first-half tries. Broughton’s vision, passing, and running game were on full display as she repeatedly sliced through the Orchids’ defensive line.
The lethal combination of Broughton and Brisbane Broncos teammate Mele Hufanga proved too hot to handle. The duo linked up to send winger Leianne Tufuga over for a double, before Broughton put barnstorming forward Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa under the posts to give the Ferns a commanding 16-0 lead at the break.
Hufanga’s Second-Half Heroics
The second stanza belonged to Mele Hufanga, whose powerful runs and deft ball-playing skills created numerous opportunities for her outside backs. Wiki was the main beneficiary, latching onto Hufanga’s perfectly timed passes to complete her hat-trick and put the result beyond doubt.
Despite the lopsided scoreline, the Orchids never stopped fighting. Led by inspirational Parramatta Eels prop Elsie Albert, the hosts threw everything they had at the Ferns. However, the resolute Kiwi defense held firm, repelling wave after wave of Orchids’ attack.
Final Showdown Looms
The Kiwi Ferns will now face the Australian Jillaroos in a mouthwatering Pacific Cup final in Sydney next Sunday. The Ferns, defending Pacific Cup champions after shocking the Jillaroos in last year’s decider, will be out to prove that victory was no fluke.
We know the challenge that awaits us in the final. The Jillaroos will be hungry for revenge, but we’re ready. This group has worked incredibly hard and we’ll leave everything on the field come Sunday.
– Kiwi Ferns Captain, Krystal Rota
For the vanquished Orchids, all is not lost. They will face Samoa, the winner of the Pacific Bowl, in a promotion/relegation playoff. The victor will secure a spot in next year’s Pacific Cup top tier, adding extra spice to an already crucial clash.
As the Pacific Championships reach their climax, one thing is certain: women’s rugby league in the Pacific is stronger than ever. With rising stars like Wiki and established powerhouses like Broughton and Hufanga leading the way, the future looks bright for the international game.
Will the Kiwi Ferns retain their crown, or will the Jillaroos exact sweet revenge? Tune in next Sunday to find out, in what promises to be a clash for the ages.
