The Kiwi Ferns have snapped a seven-year winless drought against Australia, with a 12-6 victory in their Pacific Championship clash at Melbourne.
After suffering a 54-4 demoltion in last year’s World Cup final at Manchester, the NZ women have put that memory behind them with two impressive showings against the Jillaroos during the Pacific Championship.
Two weeks ago, they went close to toppling the world champions, before falling 16-10 at Townsville. This time, they completed their redemption.
The Aussies went onto the front foot early with winger Jaime Chapman scoring the opening try, but the Ferns defence was not breached again, despite incredible goal-line pressure from their opponents.
Just before halftime, NZ centre Mele Hufanga levelled the contest, running off Olympic sevens star Tyla Nathan-Wong for a try that turned momentum going into the break.
Both sides remained deadlocked until the final moments, when winger Leianne Tufuga scored the matchwinner at the end of the backline, with Raecene Macgregor converting from the sideline.
Kiwi Ferns 12 (Hufanga & Tufuga tries; Macgregor 2 conversions) Australia 6 (Chapman try; Brown conversion)
More to come
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