[ad_1]
Recent union convert Autumn Stephens-Daly may have found a long-term home in rugby league after playing a starring role in the Kiwi Ferns’ victory over Fetu Samoa.
The New Zealand women’s team celebrated its 25th anniversary with a 28-8 win against the Samoa invitational team at Mt Smart Stadium.
Michael Bradley / Getty Images
Former Bay of Plenty rugby manager Autumn Stephens-Daly starred in the Kiwi Ferns debut.
Stephens-Daly stole the show on his debut, scoring two attempts while setting up another and impressing with his blinding speed and surprising strength.
The Upper Central Stallions fifth-eighth ran 50 meters and defended himself from fullback on his first attempt, nearly scoring on a replica play shortly after the break only to selflessly prepare winger Katelyn Vaha’akolo.
READ MORE:
* The changing face of the Kiwi Ferns: NZ ushers in a new era by celebrating the 25th anniversary
* Roger Tuivasa-Sheck joins the NZ Sevens team for off-season training
* The Warriors sign Sean O’Sullivan from the Broncos for the 2021 NRL season.
His second attempt was easier, as he dived from close range after picking up a deflected pass.
Stephens-Daly, representing the Bay of Plenty in rugby in both sevens and the Farah Palmer Cup, is just in his first full rugby league season.
Fiona Goodall / Getty Images
Kiwi Ferns veteran Honey Hireme scored a try in the first half in the win over Samoa.
But after backing up an MVP performance at the recent Women’s National Championship with a stellar display in the black jersey, she has certainly put herself in the frame for next year’s World Cup.
With several established players unavailable, Kiwi Ferns’ new coach Ricky Henry took the opportunity to bleed 11 newcomers on his team and would have generally been pleased with the performance.
Fullback Lavinia Tauhalaliku was another rookie to stand out as was running back Karli Hansen before leaving the field in the second half due to a knee injury.
Meanwhile, rower Crystal Tamarua, one of only two Warriors on the side, was a constant threat on the edge and capped off a powerful performance with a long-range late try.
The Kiwi Ferns outscored Samoa in six attempts to two in slippery conditions, making handling difficult after the break.
But Samoa imposed themselves many errors, yielding as well as they managed on defense and took the fight to the hosts for the entire 80 minutes, despite limited preparation.
The Auckland event showcased the first international rugby league matches of any kind this year, with Tonga’s women dominating their Niuean counterparts 66-8 in the opening curtain.
New Zealand 28 (Autumn Stephens-Daly 2, Karli Hansen, Honey Hireme-Smiler, Katelyn Vaha’akolo, Crystal Tamarua tries; Hansen 2 goals) Fetu Samoa Invitational 8 (Ricshay Lemanu, Leianne Tufuga tries). HT: 16-4.
