Ferns hit 40 to tune up for semi-finals

The Kiwi Ferns were given a stern test in the first half before hitting the straps to run away with a 40-12 win over PNG Orchids in slippery conditions at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday.

Both sides struggled to control the ball in the first half and they went to the sheds with the Ferns up 14-12 courtesy of tries to Stacey Waaka, Mackenzie Wiki and Kaiyah Atai.

The Orchids picked up their tries through Tia Molo and Elsie Albert as the two sides traded errors and missed opportunities in the opening 35.

After regrouping at half-time the Ferns needed just 35 seconds to post a try in the second term when Otesa Pule produced a slashing solo try from 50m out before Wiki grabbed her second in the 46th minute gave Ricky Henry's team some breathing space at 24-12.

Leianne Tufuga was next to score after Nicholls jumped into first receiver and linked with Atai who found Abigail Roache and the centre put her winger away.

After delivering the final pass for Tufuga to score it was Roache grabbing one herself as the score blew out to 34-12.

More joy on the left edge in the 63rd minute when Atai showed off her ball-playing skills to unleash Roache who cruised to the line to complete her double.

The Ferns' back five of Nicholls, Tufuga, Roache, Waaka and Wiki combined for 68 runs and 795 metres to go with their six tries.

New Zealand will head to Newcastle next Saturday to face the rising force of Fetu Samoa in one semi-final while the Jillaroos meet Fiji Bulikula in Sydney on Sunday.