New Zealand reach Women’s Rugby League World Cup final as Waaka hat-trick sinks Samoa

A Stacey Waaka hat-trick has helped secure New Zealand their place in the Women’s Rugby League World Cup final.

The Kiwi Ferns were rarely threatened in their 32-0 victory over an inexperienced Fetu Samoa in Newcastle, running away with it late with four tries in the final 12 minutes on Saturday afternoon.

Dual international Waaka made the most of her opportunities, setting up New Zealand’s early first try, before securing three of her own.

With her hat-trick, Waaka drew level with Australia winger Jaime Chapman atop the tournament’s tryscoring tally with nine.

New Zealand will now face the winner of Sunday afternoon’s semi-final between Australia and Fiji in Brisbane next weekend, as they look to avenge their 54-4 loss to the Jillaroos in the 2021 final.

The Kiwi Ferns drew first blood within two minutes, capitalising on a Samoan error to send winger Mackenze Wiki over out wide.

In an otherwise error-marred first half, the Samoans had the better of the chances, but failed to register points in good territory.

Repelling a five-minute assault at their try-line, NZ would catch Samoa napping soon after when Waaka secured her first four-pointer.

Perseverance paid off for the centre – a lack of urgency from winger Mercedez Taulelei-Siala while attempting to secure a Raecene McGregor kick coming back to bite the Samoans.

The Kiwis extended their lead to 14 five minutes into the second half, when another McGregor kick landed perfectly for Waaka’s second try of the game.

Waaka’s third came with a late flurry of New Zealand points, with McGregor, centre Mele Hufanga and back-rower Kaiyah Atai joining her on the tryscorers list in the final 12 minutes.