New Zealand Warriors drive semifinal wins

Warriors players impressive in surge to World Cup finals

Stacey Waaka scored three tries as the Kiwi Ferns reached the Rugby League World Cup final with a 32-0 semifinal win over Fetu Samoa.

Her nine tries in four tournament games included a player-of-the-match performance in Newcastle.

Warriors teammate Mele Hufanga also scored, her fourth try in three games, while Kaiyah Atai made 27 tackles without a miss.

Apii Nicholls and Ivana Lauitiiti added strong contributions from fullback and the bench.

The Kiwi Ferns will face Australia, who beat Fiji 30-14, in their seventh final against the Jillaroos since the women's competition began in 2000.

New Zealand won the first three finals; Australia claimed the most recent three.

The Kiwis also advanced, defeating Tonga 34-10 to reach their first final since 2013.

They will meet Australia, who beat Toa Samoa 44-12, at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane next Sunday.

Captain James Fisher-Harris made 152 metres, broke three tackles and completed 33 tackles in 55 minutes.

Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, filling in on the wing, led the match with 216 metres and 23 runs, then scored late.

Erin Clark set up his try with a kick and recorded two try assists, 143 metres and 24 tackles in 58 minutes off the bench.

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