Sunday 19 October

Despite a slow start to the opening round of the Pacific Cup, the Kiwi Ferns have maintained their unbeaten run over Fetu Samoa with a dominant second-half onslaught.

Fetu Samoa owned the first half 20-0, but three consecutive tries after the break from Shanice Parker, Ashleigh Quinlan and Alexis Tauaneai pulled the New Zealanders back into contention.

A blinding 90m run by Mele Hufunga to the try line and a conversion by debutant Patricia Maliepo sealed the deal in the eleventh hour.

Fetu Samoa didn’t have any answers for the Kiwi Ferns’ commanding second half, and the match concluded 22-20 to the home side.

Debutants Maliepo and Tysha Ikenasio demonstrated their class, becoming dual international players. Fellow rookies Ivana Lauiti’iti and Shakira Baker also held their own in the black jersey, showing their skills and strength in the physical contest.

The Kiwi Ferns now head into a bye week, before reassembling in Auckland to face the Jillaroos at Eden Park on 2 November. Tickets from Ticketek.