Port Moresby will host the NZ women’s team this Sunday in the Pacific Championship. Picture: DFAT
IT was revenge served double when Australia swept the Kiwis aside in the men’s and women’s rugby league Pacific Championship double-header on Sunday, October 27.
The Kangaroos claimed a 22-10 victory over NZ and booked their place in the Pacific Cup final when they met in Christchurch.
The result was Australia’s first win in New Zealand since 2012 and sends them into the final against the Kiwis or Tonga on November 10.
NRL website NRL.com.au reports that in the 16th minute, Kangaroo Lindsay Collins took an inside pass and powered through two defenders to score a converted try. 6-0.
The Kiwis replied in the 26th minute when Jamayne Isaako scored in the corner which was converted. 6-6.
With half-time near, Tom Trbojevic found space and passed to Zac Lomax to score just inside the sideline. The try was unconverted but a subsequent penalty to the Kangaroos saw them lead 12-6 at halftime.
Man of the match Harry Grant then helped take the score to 16-6 with 20 minutes to go when a pass from him ensured Lomax scored a second try.
The hosts then replied with a try to debutant Will Warbrick who scored for an unconverted try with 13 minutes to go. 16-10.
The Kangaroos put the game out of reach when Mitchell Moses crossed under the sticks. 22-10.
WOMEN
The Jillaroos shut out the Kiwi Ferns 14-0 in the earlier match to book their final berth on November 10.
Despite dominating possession in the first 12 minutes, the Kiwis were unable to crack the Jillaroos’ defence, NRl.com.au reported.
When Australia got their chance inside the 20m zone, Millie Elliott was held up twice.
With four minutes left in the half, Tiana Penitani took a short ball from Ali Brigginshaw to score for the Jillaroos and lead 4-0 at the break.
With 19 minutes left in the game, Jillaroos fullback Tamika Upton broke the defensive line to make it 10-0 with the conversion.
Four minutes later, the Jillaroos struck again when Jess Sergis scored.
The Jillaroos are now in the Cup final at CommBank Stadium in Sydney while a win for the Kiwi Ferns over the Kumuls in Port Moresby this weekend will give them another shot at the Jillaroos.
The result was the first time the Kiwi Ferns were held scoreless, according to NRL.com.au
