Waaka hat-trick sends New Zealand into seventh successive women’s World Cup final

AI-generated illustration.

Stacey Waaka scored a hat-trick as New Zealand defeated Samoa 32–0 in Newcastle on Saturday, 7 November to reach the Women’s Rugby League World Cup final. The Kiwi Ferns have now qualified for the decider at every edition of the tournament since it began in 2000.

The score grew sharply late in the match, after Samoa had kept the contest close for much of their first World Cup semi-final. Mackenzie Wiki’s early try gave New Zealand the lead, but Samoa responded with sustained pressure, including four consecutive sets near the Kiwi Ferns’ line without scoring.

New Zealand’s second try came when Raecene McGregor’s short kick bounced high and Waaka claimed the ball. That left the Kiwi Ferns 8–0 ahead at half-time, with strengthening wind adding to the difficulty of kicking at goal.

McGregor and Waaka combined again after the interval. Mele Hufanga’s offload helped start the move before the captain’s kick found Waaka for her second try. The conversion extended the lead to 14–0.

Hufanga and Kaiyah Atai then added tries as Samoa’s resistance weakened. Waaka completed her treble from an Annessa Biddle flick pass, and McGregor crossed late to complete a seven-try victory.

Waaka brings a substantial record from rugby union to the league tournament: she has won two Olympic sevens gold medals and two Women’s Rugby World Cups with New Zealand. Her latest performance helped secure the Kiwi Ferns’ seventh consecutive final appearance.

They will face the winner of Sunday’s Australia–Fiji semi-final in Sydney. New Zealand’s place in the final on 15 November is confirmed, while their opponents will be decided on 8 November.