New Zealand sweep aside Samoa to reach Women’s World Cup final

New Zealand beat Samoa 32-0 to reach next Sunday’s Women’s Rugby League World Cup final, extending their run to a seventh consecutive appearance. The Kiwi Ferns will hope to win the title for the first time since 2008, after losing their three finals since their opening three championships.

The match was played in difficult, blustery conditions at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium. Stacey Waaka scored three tries, with Mackenzie Wiki, Mele Hufanga, Kaiyah Atai and Raecene McGregor also crossing; Kiria-Ratu added two goals. New Zealand’s defence and Samoa’s handling errors helped shape the result, while Waaka made 131 metres. New Zealand are likely to face Australia in the final if the Jillaroos beat Fiji in the other semi-final.