New Zealand vs Samoa Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup | Semi-Final
by Alex Sarwar ·
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New Zealand are one win away from a seventh consecutive Women’s Rugby League World Cup final with Samoa standing in their way.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / USA – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / USA – Premier Player
Tickets: Visit this link to access the latest 2026 Rugby League World Cup tickets
New Zealand team news: Big players back
On the back of a rest against Papua New Guinea, Mele Hufanga is back in the team and she is joined by Chantay Kiria-Ratu, who also didn’t play vs PNG.
Squad: Apii Nicholls, Leianne Tufuga, Mele Hufanga, Stacey Waaka, Mackenzie Wiki, Chantay Kiria-Ratu, Raecene McGregor, Alexis Tauaneai, Georgia Hale, Otesa Pule, Shaniece Monschau, Kaiyah Atai, Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa, Ashleigh Quinlan, Annessa Biddle, Shannon Mato, Ivana Lauitiiti, Brooke Anderson, Brianna Clark, Zahara Temara, Abigail Roache, Tenika Willison
Samoa team news: Single switch
Samoa head coach Frank Pritchard has made one move from the team who overcame England, dropping Tavarna Papalii to the bench in place of Fanua Rimoni.
Squad: Destiny Mino-Sinapati, Mercedez Taulelei-Siala, Monica Tagoai, Tyra Ekepati, Freedom Crichton Ropati, Evania Isa'ako, Pauline Piliae-Rasabale, Annetta Nuuausala, Mary-Jane Taito, Laikha Clarke, Leilani Wilson, Ivana Lolesio, Fanua Rimoni, Tavarna Papalii, Christabelle Onesemo-Tuilaepa, Jasmine Fogavini, Christian Pio, Jaydika Tafua, Anastasia Leatupue, Evelyn Roberts, Jetaya Faifua, Amanii Misa
Who will score the first points of this match?
Open poll and resultsNew Zealand vs Samoa prediction
Historically, New Zealand have always held their nerve in these semi-finals and the Kiwi Ferns can make it seven straight wins in the last four of this competition by beating Samoa. The Fetu responded excellently to being nilled by Australia first up, destroying Wales 76-0, before knocking out England in a 6-24 triumph to secure their place in the last four and set up this clash.
Only Australia conceded fewer points than New Zealand during the pool stage and such defensive resilience and stability shouldn’t be underestimated. You’d always bank on New Zealand putting a healthy number of points on the board themselves here with the players they have at their disposal, but keeping out a strong Samoa at the other end will be important. Ultimately, New Zealand are experts at getting the job done come semi-final time and this contest isn’t expected to be any different.
New Zealand vs Samoa tip: New Zealand to win
