New Zealand Women Reach Seventh Consecutive Rugby League World Cup Final
The Kiwi Ferns dominated Fetu Samoa 32-0 to secure their place in the championship.
1Dominant Semifinal Victory
New Zealand secured a place in their seventh consecutive women's Rugby League World Cup final after a 32-0 victory over Fetu Samoa. The Kiwi Ferns maintained control throughout the match, systematically dismantling the opposition's defense to ensure a shutout win. This result continues their historic streak of reaching every tournament decider.
2Stacey Waaka's Hat-Trick
Cross-code superstar Stacey Waaka led the offensive charge by scoring three tries during the semifinal. Waaka, who already holds two Olympic gold medals in rugby 7s and two Rugby Union World Cup titles, proved instrumental in the win. Her performance highlighted the team's ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities near the goal-line.
3Strategic Match Progression
The match remained competitive in the first half before New Zealand pulled away. Key tries from Mele Hufanga, Kaiyah Atai, and Raecene McGregor extended the lead as the Fetu Samoa defense fatigued. A pivotal moment occurred when a goal-line dropout error by Samoa allowed New Zealand to regain momentum and dominate proceedings.
4Tournament Path Ahead
Following this victory, New Zealand awaits the winner of the second semifinal match between Australia and Fiji. That game is scheduled to take place in Sydney on Sunday. The Kiwi Ferns are now preparing for the final, aiming to add another major trophy to their extensive list of international rugby accomplishments.
5Men's Tournament Context
While the women's team advances, the men's Rugby League World Cup semifinal features New Zealand facing Tonga at McDonald Jones Stadium. The men's squad received a significant boost with the return of fullback Kalyn Ponga, who recovered from a broken arm sustained during the tournament opener just twenty-three days prior to kickoff.
6Squad Adjustments and Returns
New Zealand's men's team lineup includes Keano Kini moving to the bench to accommodate Ponga's return. Additionally, Phoenix Crossland has been added to the six-man bench after serving a suspension. Crossland was sidelined following a hip-drop tackle on Nathan Cleary during a preliminary final match against Penrith back in September.
7Pre-Match Intensity
The men's semifinal between New Zealand and Tonga was preceded by a highly intense exchange of cultural war cries. The Tongan Sipi Tau was met with a powerful Haka from the New Zealand players. Both teams stood in a prolonged standoff, reflecting the high stakes and competitive nature of this tournament fixture.
8Broadcasting and Access
The 2026 Rugby League World Cup matches are broadcast via 7plus in Australia. International viewers often utilize VPN services to bypass geo-restrictions and access these free live streams. Providers like ExpressVPN are frequently cited for their ability to hide digital locations and connect users to secure servers within the Australian broadcast region.
9Technical Streaming Requirements
Accessing geo-restricted sports content requires a subscription to a streaming-friendly VPN service. Users typically download an application, select an Australian server, and navigate to the 7plus platform. While these services are not free, many offer money-back guarantees or trial periods that allow viewers to watch tournament matches without long-term financial commitments.
10Tournament Operational Dynamics
The 2026 tournament structure involves intense scheduling, with the final stages occurring over a single weekend. As teams compete for the main prize, the focus shifts toward player fitness and tactical depth. New Zealand remains a central figure in both the men's and women's competitions as the tournament nears its conclusion.