Ferns Honour Heritage with Nines Triumph   9 Feb 2016

Ferns Honour Heritage with Nines Triumph

Casting aside the seeds of doubt after dropping their series opener, the Kiwi Ferns have defied their billing to retain the NRL Nines crown over Australia at Eden Park.

The shortened version of rugby league is tailor-made for the Jillaroos, who are probably more athletic than their NZ counterparts.

Last year’s Ferns triumph was built on ferocious tackling and physicality more suited to the full 13-a-side version of the game.

But the national women’s side showed their heart by again reversing expectations.

“We knew we weren’t the fastest or fittest team out there,” admitted captain Sarina Fiso. “We were just doing what we do to the best of our abilities and we came through in the end.”

After watching video of their 11-4 loss in Saturday’s series opener, the Ferns proved quick to make adjustments.

“I think a little bit more experience helped us today,” said Fiso, after her team had levelled the series with a 9-0 win in Game Two.

“We lacked composure yesterday, but took that into the game this time round.

“Wearing this black jersey means so much to us – we’re so proud of all its tradition that goes with it.”

In the history of international women's competition, the Kiwi women have won three off the four World Cup finals contested, only losing their title to Australia in 2013.

Little over an hour after taking out Game Two today, both teams returned to the park for the deciding rubber, with the home side performing an emotional haka that set the tone for the encounter.

With their trademark defence holding fast, the Ferns also showed their attacking skills when the opportunities presented.

After a period of sustained pressure, Georgia Hale put in a perfect crosskick to the corner, where rookie Mary-Jane Ale only had to catch and plant for the opening try.

Australia allowed the subsequent kick-off to dribble into touch and New Zealand again capitalised, with another debutant, Langi Veainu, crossing in the same corner just before half-time.

Up 8-0 at the break, the Ferns seemed to have sealed their triumph, when Kristina Sue found a gap and sprinted 30 metres for a five-point try that was converted.

Australia countered with a seven-pointer of their own to keep their hopes alive, but Fiso finally put the result beyond doubt, scrambling across under the bar in the dying moments.

Hale, who debuted at this event last year, was named Most Valuable Player of the series for her control on Day Two.

“I’m really blown away,” she said. “I wasn’t expecting it. I’m just grateful for the opportunities I’ve had over the weekend.”

New Zealand and Australian women will renew their rivalry, when they contest the curtainraiser to the men’s test match at Newcastle in May.

Meanwhile, the NZ Warriors could not quite complete a local double, falling 22-4 to upstarts Parramatta in the Downer NRL Auckland Nines final.

With Kiwi Shuan Johnson calling the shots, the Warriors seemed to be hitting their straps with victories over Canberra and Gold Coast in the knockout rounds, but quickly fell behind in the title decider.

NZ international Roger Tuivasa-Sheck had their only points and Johnson sent a chill through the club’s faithful, hobbling off the field at one point, but returning in an effort to spark a comeback.

Eels captain Corey Norman was named Most Valuable Player, while Kiwis Johnson, Tuimoala Lolohea and Tohu Harris were selected in the tournament team.

Downer NRL Auckland Nines Results – Day Two

Waiheke Pool
Sydney Roosters 26 Melbourne Storm 7
Parramatta Eels 24 South Sydney Rabbitohs 11

Rangitoto Pool
Newcastle Knights 21 Wests Tigers 16
North Queensland Cowboys 15 Penrith Panthers 11

Hunua Pool
Canterbury Bulldogs 14 Manly Sea Eagles 8
NZ Warriors 15 Brisbane Broncos 8

Piha Pool
Gold Coast Titans 24 St George Dragons 12
Canberra Raiders 18 Cronulla Sharks

Quarter-finals
Parramatta Eels 12 Newcastle Knights 8
Melbourne Storm 14 North Queensland Cowboys 6
NZ Warriors 16 Canberra Raiders 8
Gold Coast Titans 24 Manly Sea Eagles 4

Semi-finals
Parramatta Eels 17 Melbourne Storm 8
NZ Warriors 22 Gold Coast Titans 4

Final
Parramatta Eels 22 NZ Warriors 4

Women’s Trans-Tasman Series
NZ Kiwi Ferns 9 Australian Jillaroos 0
NZ Kiwi Ferns 21 Australian Jillaroos 7
NZ win series 2-1

ENDS

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