Waaka hat-trick fires New Zealand past Samoa into World Cup final

New Zealand have booked their place in the Women's Rugby League World Cup final after a 32-0 semi-final win over Samoa in Newcastle, with Stacey Waaka scoring a hat-trick to lead the rout.

New Zealand struck inside two minutes when winger Mackenzie Wiki capitalised on a Samoa error to score, according to Agence France-Presse's report for Guardian Rugby League, setting the tone for the contest at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Samoa, fielding an inexperienced squad, had the better of the chances through an error-strewn first half but could not turn pressure into points. The Kiwi Ferns held firm under a five-minute siege on their own line before breaking away through Waaka, who pounced after winger Mercedez Taulelei-Siala hesitated attempting to collect a Raecene McGregor kick.

Waaka completed her hat-trick as New Zealand pulled clear in blustery, stormy conditions, scoring four of their seven tries in the final 12 minutes as Samoa's resistance finally gave way.

The scorers were Wiki, Waaka with three, Hufanga, Atai and McGregor, with Kiria-Ratu adding two goals, BBC Rugby League reported.

Waaka's treble lifted her level with Australia winger Jaime Chapman at the top of the tournament's try-scoring charts, both on nine for the competition. The dual-code international, who has also represented New Zealand in sevens and union, had a hand in the opening try before adding her own three.

New Zealand conceded just 24 points across their three group games, underlining a defensive record that held firm again against Samoa despite the difficult conditions.

The result sends New Zealand into their seventh consecutive final, a run that began with victories in each of the first three editions between 2000 and 2008. Since then, three further final appearances have all ended in defeat, including three successive losses to Australia.

The most recent of those came four years ago, when the Jillaroos beat the Kiwi Ferns 54-4 in the 2021 final at Old Trafford. New Zealand will be seeking to avenge that scoreline should Australia progress to next week's decider.

New Zealand's opponents will be decided by Sunday's second semi-final in Brisbane between Australia and debutants Fiji. BBC Rugby League suggested the Jillaroos remain the likely final obstacle unless Fiji produce what would rank among the competition's biggest upsets.

The Women's Rugby League World Cup final is scheduled for next Sunday, with New Zealand aiming to lift the trophy for the fourth time in the tournament's history.