Scratchy Kiwi Ferns overwhelm Canada
New Zealand have opened their women’s Rugby League World Cup campaign with a 50-4 demolition of minnows Canada in Sydney.
The Kiwi Ferns were scratchy in the first half but found their groove after the break, running in nine tries to one at Southern Cross Group Stadium in Cronulla yesterday.
Back-rower Teuila Fotu-Moala was a standout, pulling off a string of thunderous tackles which left her opposition rocked before crossing for a second-half double.
Canada were valiant in the first half, holding New Zealand to a 16-4 lead at the break. However the Ravens, with a side composed predominantly of rugby sevens players, simply couldn’t sustain the onslaught from the threetime world champions.
After the resumption, Lileta Maumau and Krystal Murray barged over within three minutes to break Canada’s back and open the floodgates. From there, it was a procession of tries with Teuila Fotu-Moala and Apii Nicholls-Pualau also scoring.
Powerfully-built Fotu-Moala created one of the more spectacular moments when she left Canada’s Maira Acevedo and Nina Bui on the ground injured in a memorable performance.
She also broke open the Canadian line as wing Atawhai Tupaea raced 50 metres to score and give her side back the lead with the New Zealanders enjoying one-way traffic from there on.
But the slow start will concern coach Tony Benson and his staff. He will need a better display against the Cook Islands on Sunday. Kiwi Ferns 50 (Honey Hireme 2, Teuila Fotu-Moala 2, Lilieta Maumau 2, Atawhai Tupaea, Krystal Murray, Apii Nicholls-Pualau tries; Kimiora Nati 7 goals) Canada 4 (Megan Pakulis try). HT: 16-4. — AAP