The New Zealand Kiwi Ferns have taken an early lead in their Rugby League World Cup women's semifinal against Fetu Samoa, scoring a try through winger Mackenzie Wiki in the second minute to put the score at 4-0 at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.
The try came after Fetu Samoa's forward pass early in its opening set. New Zealand shifted the ball to the right, where Stacey Waaka passed to Wiki, who touched down in the corner.
Fetu Samoa applied pressure but could not break through the Kiwi Ferns' defence. The Samoans had earned a scrum after forcing an error from New Zealand, and later had four sets on the New Zealand goal line.
New Zealand entered the match having topped their group with wins over Fiji, France and Papua New Guinea. Fetu Samoa's only blemish was against Australia.
The match is the first women's semifinal of the Rugby League World Cup, and Fetu Samoa are in their maiden semifinal.
Australia and Fiji Bulikula are scheduled to meet in Sunday's other women's semifinal.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The match determines who will play for the Women's Rugby League World Cup title.
- It is a historic moment for women's rugby league in the Pacific, with Fetu Samoa appearing in a semifinal for the first time.
- The performance of the women's game in this tournament continues to influence investment and attention in the sport.
Background
The 2026 Rugby League World Cup is being co-hosted by Australia and Papua New Guinea. The women's tournament has expanded in profile and competition. The New Zealand Kiwi Ferns are one of the most successful teams in the history of the women's World Cup, never having lost a semifinal in the competition, while Fetu Samoa have emerged as a rising force.
Key Perspectives
New Zealand: entered the tournament as a proven powerhouse, carrying strong form from an undefeated group stage and a long track record in women's World Cup semifinals.
Fetu Samoa: is competing in its first World Cup semifinal, representing a milestone for the Pacific nation's women's rugby league program and for the diversity of the international game.
What to Watch
- Whether Fetu Samoa can adjust their attack to overcome the Kiwi Ferns' goal-line defence.
- The ongoing impact of the early try on the match's momentum and game plan.
- The result of the men's semifinal later tonight between New Zealand and Tonga.