Australia’s women’s rugby league team, the Jillaroos, won a tough match against New Zealand’s Kiwi Ferns, 10–4, at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday.
The game was part of the Pacific Championship and served as a warm-up for the grand final, which will take place in Sydney.
Both teams played strong defence, making it difficult to score. Only three tries were made during the entire game, with the Jillaroos leading by just one converted try in the final minutes. New Zealand stayed close, nearly scoring at the end.
One of the most exciting moments came when Annessa Biddle from the Kiwi Ferns sprinted 70 metres to score a try. Biddle, who won the Dally M Rookie of the Year award, gave her team hope with that impressive run.
Australia opened the scoring with a try by Jessica Sergis, who dodged three defenders to reach the try line. Later, debut player Abbi Church grabbed a loose ball and scored the second try for the Jillaroos. She was named player of the match.
The two teams will face off again in the Pacific Championship final.
