LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
In a thrilling match, the Kiwi Ferns showcased their defensive prowess and ended their seven-year drought against the Australian Jillaroos.
Despite spending most of the game defending their own line and having limited opportunities in attack, the Kiwi Ferns managed to secure a hard-fought victory with a scoreline of 12-6.
Leianne Tufuga played a crucial role in this triumph as she scored her first try at Test level with just seven minutes remaining in the match.
Throughout the game, the Kiwi Ferns displayed remarkable resilience and determination off the ball.
They denied the Jillaroos any chance of making a comeback and maintained their defensive stronghold until the final whistle at AAMI Park.
Despite the Jillaroos dominating possession and appearing as the stronger team on the field, they struggled to break through the unyielding Kiwi defense, with their only try coming from Jaime Chapman early in the game.
Despite their dominance in key statistical categories in the first half, the Jillaroos squandered their opportunities with costly errors, resulting in a completion rate of less than 40 percent for their sets.
This inability to convert their dominance into points ultimately proved to be their downfall.
Overall, the Kiwi Ferns' victory was a testament to their exceptional defensive skills and their ability to withstand pressure.
It marks a significant moment for the team, as they finally overcame their trans-Tasman rivals after a long winless streak.