League: Kiwis beat Jillaroos to win Nines title

The New Zealand Ferns celebrate following their series win over the Australian Jillaroos during...
The New Zealand Ferns celebrate following their series win over the Australian Jillaroos during the 2016 Auckland Nines at Eden Park. Photo by Getty

New Zealand have scored a second successive women's Nines series victory over Australia after claiming a 21-7 win in the decider.

After the sides split the honours in the opening two matches, the Kiwi Ferns put in a dominant performance to take game three and send the Eden Park crowd into raptures.

The New Zealanders claimed last year's title at the NRL Auckland Nines and will hold bragging rights for another year.

The Kiwi Ferns got on the board first in controversial fashion when Mary-Jane Ale fielded a cross-field kick in the corner but appeared to lose the ball as she went to ground.

When the Jillaroos handed over possession on their own line, the New Zealanders put it through the hands to extend their lead via Langi Veainu.

Australia bombed two golden opportunities, first when Annette Brander was penalised for passing off the ground. With a big overlap, the Jillaroos would've almost certainly scored the next play had she simply played the ball.

Moments later Kezie Apps steamed onto the ball with the line open but could not take the pass.

The Kiwi Ferns then put the Australians to the sword with a sensational solo effort from Kristina Sue to make it 14-0.

Kody House crossed for a consolation four-pointer for the Australians before Sarina Fiso sealed the win for the Kiwi Ferns.

The Australians won the opener 11-4 with a gutsy effort yesterday before the New Zealanders won 9-0 to ensure the series would go to a decider today.

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