Rugby League World Cup 2026: New Zealand keep away from huge shock in opposition to Fiji

“The good factor is we discovered a means, however the best way we performed just isn’t what we should always.

“We went away from what we have been meant to do, so we’re a bit disillusioned there. Rustiness just isn’t an excuse.

“I reckon it is a wake-up name, and the women will assume so too. We fought our means again, so we’ll take that away with issues to work on.”

New Zealand appeared to be on target for a snug day when Stacey Waaka scored after two minutes, however Fiji grew into the match earlier than scoring after 21 minutes.

Skipper Sereana Naitokatoka made a intelligent run from dummy half to seek out Losana Lutu who scored Fiji’s first girls’s World Cup strive

And when Sienna Laing prolonged the lead 5 minutes later, instantly the upset regarded on.

Waaka scored her second attempt to shut the hole earlier than the break, however after the interval Fiji’s staunch defence nonetheless refused to provide means.

But the stress finally informed as New Zealand levelled then took the lead from Zehara Temara penalty kicks.

The win was not secured till the ultimate minutes when Raecene McGregor’s cross-field kick discovered Leianne Tufuga to attain.

“We did not put any expectations on ourselves, however they performed like that they had nothing to lose,” New Zealand participant Georgia Hale mentioned. “They examined our waters for certain.

“Everything was in our management, then we misplaced it. It was uncharacteristically ill-disciplined, untidy play.

“What we wished to do right now was primary. We wished to set the tone for the match by being bodily and by going forwards, however we went distant from that which isn’t us.

“We then needed to work extraordinarily arduous to make up for it. It was positively luck in the long run.”

New Zealand face France at residence in Christchurch subsequent in Group B, whereas Fiji play Papua New Guinea.