Kiwi Ferns come from behind to beat Fiji 18-12 at the Women's Rugby League World Cup

New Zealand beat Fiji 18-12 in Pool B of the Women’s Rugby League World Cup at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, on Sunday 18 October. It was Fiji’s first match at a women’s World Cup, NRL.com, RNZ and BBC Sport reported.

Stacey Waaka scored for New Zealand in the second minute. Fiji replied after 21 minutes, when captain Sereana Naitokatoka ran from dummy half and passed to Losana Lutu to score. Centre Sienna Laing scored five minutes later to give Fiji a 12-4 lead. Waaka’s second try just before half-time made it 12-10 to Fiji at the break. BBC Sport reported it was the first time New Zealand had been behind at half-time in a World Cup match.

Zahara Temara kicked a penalty goal midway through the second half to level the scores at 12-12, and a second late in the match put New Zealand ahead 14-12. Leianne Tufuga then scored from a cross-field kick by Raecene McGregor in the closing minutes.

NRL.com reported that Fiji also had injuries to Tamika Jones, Maria Paseka and Laing during the match. No details on the injuries were given.

After the first round, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand have two points each in Pool B. Fiji and France have none.

Next (GMT, official schedule): New Zealand play France at One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, on Sunday 25 October at 3am. Fiji play Papua New Guinea at Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby, on Saturday 24 October at 2:15am.