New Zealand sweep aside Samoa to reach Women's World Cup final

New Zealand's women will hope it is fourth time lucky after defeating Samoa 32-0 to reach next Sunday's Rugby League World Cup final. Stacey Waaka has represented New Zealand in rugby sevens, rugby union and rugby league It will be the Kiwi Ferns' seventh successive appearance in the showpiece match, but having won the first three between 2000-2008, three trips to the final since then have all ended in heartache. Three consecutive losses to Australia included a blowout 54-4 scoreline four years ago at Old Trafford and unless debutants Fiji spring one of the greatest upsets in the tournament's history in the other semi-final, the Jillaroos are likely to again provide the substantial obstacle to New Zealand becoming four-time champions.

However, on Saturday, New Zealand made light of the blustery and difficult conditions inside Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium, in New South Wales, to make their case as potential winners. Mackenzie Wiki's try – less than two minutes into proceedings, off the back of a Samoa error – set the tone for the Kiwi Ferns. As the storm clouds began to gather overhead, New Zealand's dual-code international Stacey Waaka capitalised on some indecision from Samoa winger Mercedez Taulelei-Siala to collect and ground Raecene McGregor's kick. It was efficient and highly professional from New Zealand, who conceded just 24 points across their