The Kiwi Ferns have snapped a seven-year winless drought against Australia, with a 12-6 victory in their Pacific Championship clash at Melbourne.
After suffering a 54-4 demoltion in last year's World Cup final at Manchester, the NZ women have put that memory behind them with two impressive showings against the Jillaroos during the Pacific Championship.
Two weeks ago, they went close to toppling the world champions, before falling 16-10 at Townsville. This time, they completed their redemption.
The Aussies went onto the front foot early with winger Jaime Chapman scoring the opening try, but the Ferns defence was not breached again, despite incredible goal-line pressure from their opponents.
Just before halftime, NZ centre Mele Hufanga levelled the contest, running off Olympic sevens star Tyla Nathan-Wong for a try that turned momentum going into the break.
Both sides remained deadlocked until the final moments, when winger Leianne Tufuga scored the matchwinner at the end of the backline, with Raecene Macgregor converting from the sideline.
"It's honestly so amazing," said captain Georgia Hale. "With that loss at the World Cup, we were disappointed and deflated, but we've used it as a point to build from.
"I'm so proud of these girls to go up against the Jillarroos two weeks ago and to improve our performance today... I'm immensely proud."
Kiwi Ferns 12 (Hufanga & Tufuga tries; Macgregor 2 conversions) Australia 6 (Chapman try; Brown conversion)
More to come
