Kelly stars in Jillaroos’ thrilling Test win over Kiwi Ferns
Isabelle Kelly has fired the Australian Jillaroos to a thrilling 26-24 win over New Zealand in their women's rugby league Test at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland.
Kelly, who plays in the centres produced two pieces of brilliance on Saturday including the 75th-minute match winner to get the world champions home against an injury-hit and gallant Kiwi Ferns.
Despite losing half-back Kimiora Nati and co-captain Laura Mariu either side of half-time, the New Zealanders refused to yield, pushing the Australians all the way in a see-sawing second half.
The Jillaroos burst out of the blocks to be up 12-0 after 12 minutes with Ali Brigginshaw setting up Julia Robinson before doing it all herself.
The Kiwi Ferns were often their own worst enemies but managed to get on the board before the break when Raecene McGregor lofted the ball out to Langi Veainu.
External Link: @AusJillaroos tweet: Issy again!
Nati was helped off just before half-time with what appeared to be a serious knee problem, however five-eighth McGregor stepped up to keep her side in the game.
The Australians also lost back rower Kezie Apps to a knee problem.
But just when the Kiwi Ferns looked down and out, they crossed through Aieshaleigh Smalley and Veainu in the space of three minutes to take a 14-12 lead.
The Jillaroos hit straight back through Tazmin Gray however when a rampaging Maitua Feterija managed to get it down in the corner, the scores were locked at 18-18 to set up a grandstand finish.
Kelly then broke the game open when she ran through Nita Maynard to race 70 metres to score however, importantly, Chelsea Baker missed the conversion.
After Brigginshaw dropped the ball from the kick off, it put the Jillaroos under pressure and Amber Kani produced some late footwork at the line to go in between the posts to go in front 24-22.
But as the New Zealanders looked like they might steal it, the Jillaroos spread it right and Kelly crossed with five minutes remaining to hoist the trans-Tasman Trophy.
AAP
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ABC .net
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