Australia coach Jay Tregonning is targeting a first ever win for the Wallaroos against New Zealand when the teams meet in their opening game of the Women’s World Cup in October following an improved performance against the Black Ferns in Adelaide on Saturday.
New Zealand lost 22-14 to Australia but Tregonning’s side impressed at the Adelaide Ring a week after suffering a 52-5 defeat at Christchurch.
Biel debutant Terita scored a pair of tries for the home side and Tregonning is now targeting an elusive victory over the Black Ferns for his improving side when the teams face off again at Eden Park on October 8.
“That’s definitely one of our goals,” Tregonning told Stan Sports.
“But we are really looking to make the quarter-finals our goal for the World Cup.
“It was the response we were looking for and the effort from the players was outstanding. The physique was great and the response was good.”
Terita gave the Wallaroos a 10-minute lead when she dived for the first try after missing a golden chance to score when the ball slipped past her near the line.
But Ruahei Demant’s penalty cut the deficit and Luka Connor scored from close range to secure the Black Ferns a 10-7 advantage in the interval.
Joanah Ngan-woo crossed the line six minutes into the restart to increase New Zealand’s lead and Kendra Reynolds pulled away 16 minutes from time when she smashed her way through the defense Aussie to score.
With seconds remaining, Terita burst from the edge of the Black Ferns 22-yard line to score the game’s best try as the Aussies cut the deficit to eight points.
“It was a very good game to end our campaign, leading to the World Cup,” said Terita. “A lot of girls will be really happy with this performance.”