The Jillaroos put on 17 tries when they thumped the PNG Orchids 84-0 in Brisbane but face a very different proposition this week when meeting the Kiwi Ferns in Christchurch.
Best Bet
Australia did what they needed to do last week in an 84-0 romp over a tired, battered and outclassed Orchids, scoring 17 tries that saw Julia Robinson cross six times and Jakiya Whitfeld five.
While it was impressive to seeing so many of the Jillaroos stars run amok, it was nothing more than a training run, particularly for the backs like the aforementioned wing tandem, Tamika Upton and Tarryn Aiken.
It was a little more interesting with the pack. They dominated but at times did look a little lost. he pack includes Team of the Year player Simaima Taufua, Yasmine Clydesdale and Shannon Mato as well as Millie Elliott.
Ali Brigginshaw returns from finger surgery, forcing Jess Sergis out of the team, while Jess Elliston is in for the injured Quincy Dodd.
Ricky Henry has named a top class Kiwi Ferns team that will really put it to the Jillaroos. Australia have more class in the backline but the Kiwi Ferns are far from outshone, with star tryscorer Mele Hufunga, speedster Leianne Tufunga and superstar Gayle Broughton.
The real edge though comes with the hardened and talented pack that may well be better than that of the Jillaroos. Amber Hall was a revelation this year. Annessa Biddle is a riding superstar. Georgia Hale is an elite middle, as is Brooke Anderson.
New Zealand have a tremendous record against Australia. The Kiwi Ferns won 13 of the first 14 Tests played between the two nations. Since then Australia have won 10 of the 14 Tests but they have typically been very close.
The Kiwi Ferns won and lost by six in the two Tests last year and take out the 54-4 humiliation at the final of the last World Cup, 11 of the 12 Tests have been decided by 10 points or fewer with three of the last four being decided by six or fewer.
This hard-nosed Kiwi Ferns team can cover.
Same Game Multi
Jakiya Whitfeld scored five tries when meeting PNG last time and has genuine speed.
Leianne Tufuga had a quiet year but has scored in one of three Tests and she has six tries in 16 games since moving to the Tigers in 2023.
Value Bet
Annessa Biddle is a genuine star on the rise and she knows her way to the tryline. She crossed four times in 11 matches for the Sharks this year including a semi-final pie against the Broncos. She has scored in two of her three Tests and looks excellent value to cross again.
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