New era in sport looks like being a huge hit

A new era in female sport is under way, and on this evidence, the Women’s NRL competition is going to be a smash hit.

The Warriors’ Women beat an Auckland representative side 32-4 last night in a highly engaging clash.

Beyond the result, though, it was a special occasion. That was evident in the reaction of the crowd, who were vocal throughout, much more so than for a typical curtain-raiser.

This was just a warm-up match for the Warriors, who are building for their debut in the inaugural NRL Women’s competition next month, but still a fierce encounter.

The Auckland side were obviously overmatched but gave a good account and for a period in the second half were the dominant team. The Warriors scored four tries in the first 20 minutes, exhibiting a combination of pace, power and vision.

They struggled to maintain their standards in the second half but coach Luisa Avaiki will be pleased with some of their scrambling defence.

With the Newcastle Knights and Warriors men watching on, the female Warriors opened the scoring in the fifth minute, with centre Amber Kani showing good power to finish. They extended their lead a few minutes later with a beauty, as Annetta-Claudia Nuuausala produced a precise one-handed offload to send Tanika-Jazz Noble-Bell over.

The semi-professional outfit began to take control after that, with a scorching run by Langi Veainu down the left sideline for their third try, before Hilda Mariu crossed on the other flank after slick passing.

But it wasn’t all one way traffic. Auckland second rower Amber Paris Hall came up with one of the biggest hits seen at Mt Smart, flattening 41-year-old Lorina Papali’i, as the crowd roared. Moments later, Auckland fullback Christyl Stowers produced a desperate ankle tap to deny a runaway Veainu.

The Warriors then came up with the try of the half, with captain Laura Mariu showing great vision with a midfield kick that Apii Nicholls regathered unopposed.

But the Auckland team showed great resolve in the second half, as they started to get used to the pace of the game. They frustrated the Warriors with some strong defence, before giant prop Kararaina WiraKohu powered through three defenders to score to a huge ovation.

Auckland went close again before Saviha Clark crossed for the Warriors in the 51st minute to finish the scoring.

Warriors Women 32 (A Kani, T J Noble-Bell, L Veainu, H Mariu, A Nicholls, S Clark tries; A Nicholls 4 goals)

Auckland Invitational 4 (K WiraKohu try). Halftime: 26-0.