Kiwi Ferns

Veainu double highlights Black Ferns win

Krystal Murray scored just before halftime for the Barbarians, but the Black Ferns took a 20-8 lead into the break.

Veteran halfback Kendra Cocksedge and debutant lock Kelsie Wills both crossed to join Veainu, who scored in the 18th and 26th minute.

Winger Lyric Faleafaga hauled back the deficit to just five points for the Baabaas when she crossed three minutes after the restart, but from then on the Black Ferns dominated.

Cheyelle Robins-Reti also scored on debut, and Grace Brooker added a sixth for the Black Ferns as they shut out the win.

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Hooker to lead Kiwi Ferns against Samoa

Rota has been a focal point of the Ferns team for the better part of four years since making her debut in the 2016 Anzac test victory over the Jillaroos.

No stranger to the captaincy role, Rota led the Counties Manukau women's team for three years, including over the weekend when they won their 11th straight national title by beating the Akarana Falcons in the final.

She has also captained the Maori All-Stars for two years and scored the match-winning try in their inaugural game against the Indigenous All-Stars.

Kiwi Ferns outplay Fetu Samoa in nine-try bonanza

It was the Samoans first international in eight years, and only the second time the two teams had met.

The win was built around New Zealand's strength in the centres and superb support play.

Kiana Takairangi opened the scoring after just two minutes, adding a second 10 minutes later as the New Zealanders' pace and power found gaps in the Samoan defence.

Kiwi Ferns skipper Honey Hireme sliced through for a third after 13 minutes, with second rower Kathleen Wharton making it four as the 20 minute mark ticked over.

Kiwi Ferns to meet Samoa in women's Test

The match will see the two nations meet in a women's match for just the second time - the Kiwi Ferns won the previous match 26-4 at the 2008 Women's Rugby League World Cup.

Kiwi Ferns representatives Louisa Gago and Sui Tauaua-Pauaraisa are both set to switch allegiance and represent Samoa in the game, while a host of other Holden Women's Premiership players including Oneata Schwalger (St George Illawarra Dragons) and Maitua Feterika (Brisbane Broncos) are also eligible for the island nation.

NZ can turn tables on Jillaroos: coach

The odds are stacked against New Zealand heading into Saturday's decider after they fell in their past four games against Australia, including three defeats at the Auckland Nines at the start of the year and the Anzac Test match in April.

Kiwi Ferns name World Cup squad

For the first time this selection process has included talent based in Australia, with a number of players making the trip to NZ to trial with their NZ based counterparts before the squad was selected.