New Zealand respond after Fiji scare

Kaiyah Atai.

New Zealand ran for 1,782 metres in Christchurch, compared with France's 314, as the Kiwi Ferns recorded a 92-0 Women's World Cup victory.

The result was New Zealand's biggest win in women's rugby league, and France have still never scored against them.

France previously lost 46-0 in 2022 and 88-0 in 2013.

New Zealand scored 18 tries through eight players, led by Apii Nicholls with four and Mele Hufanga and Stacey Waaka with three apiece.

Mackenzie Wiki, Raecene McGregor and Tenika Willison scored twice each, while Kaiyah Atai and Chantay Kiria-Ratu added one try apiece.

Kiria-Ratu also kicked 10 conversions and formed a new-look halves pairing with McGregor.

Wiki opened the scoring after 90 seconds, and nine first-half tries gave New Zealand a 46-0 lead.

Hufanga completed her hat-trick 50 seconds into the second half.

France made just one tackle in New Zealand territory after the break and crossed halfway only with four minutes remaining.

After an 18-12 opening win over Fiji, captain McGregor said: "We were a bit disappointed by the result last week, so great to bounce back,"

New Zealand can secure a semi-final place by finishing Group B undefeated against Papua New Guinea on the Gold Coast on Saturday.

France have conceded 30 tries and scored one at the tournament, including a 58-4 loss to Papua New Guinea.

Les Bleues next face Fiji, who are seeking a semi-final berth.

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