Ian Golden in Wollongong. Pic: NRL Imagery
Wales qualify for the fifth-place play-off on Thursday after taking control in the last 15 minutes of an exciting encounter that turned out to be the most exciting of the tournament so far, with the lead changing hands throughout much of the game.
It was a match full of milestones. For Wales, Jodie Boyd-Ward became the first wheelchair player and first female to reach 50 international caps; they fielded a father and son at the World Cup for the first time, Martin and Matthew Turner, with the historic moment coming in the 33rd minute after both players started on the bench, whilst Stuart Williams, Mark Williams and Andrew Higgins became the first players in the world to face every other international wheelchair side.
New Zealand were level at half-time for the first time ever, then led for the first time in their history when they scored in the 49th minute.
But it was the skills of player of the match Stuart Williams that saw Wales through, and he took just 54 seconds to give Wales the lead. Higgins converted.
New Zealand were soon level. Nikia Fa’atau was given space to score, and Ryan Charles converted.
Wales opened up a two-try lead thanks to tries from Higgins and Williams, that Higgins both improved, but a Charles try and goal brought the score back to 18-12.
After a Matthew Turner try and goal extended Wales’ advantage again, the Wheel Kiwis got back into the game. Kauri Murray scored a brilliant try after receiving a one-handed pass from Charles, who converted well.
And they eventually levelled. Joshua Hirini-Barclay went in under the sticks and converted his own try to put the score on to 24-all.
Only a brilliant try-saving tackle from Sid Ramsey stopped New Zealand from taking the lead, but a good passing move gave Jamie Tapp a try on 49 minutes, and they were in front for the first time in their history. Hirini-Barclay converted.
However, Stuart Williams dodged over a trademark try in the 53rd minute to complete his hat-trick. Higgins converted to put Wales level again.
Williams then got his fourth try, scoring in the corner, to give Wales the lead back, with Higgins adding another goal.
Hirini-Barclay soon scored his second try of the match, then converted again to level the scores at 36-all with 15 minutes remaining.
But it wasn’t long before another Higgins try and goal restored Wales’ lead once again before Boyd-Ward marked her landmark appearance with a try. Higgins converted again, and Wales had a 12-point lead for the first time in over 40 minutes.
Boyd-Ward well and truly cemented the victory with her second try, scored from the first set after kick-off. Mark Williams soon added another, with Higgins converting both.
Stuart Williams scored his fifth try of the match with five minutes remaining. Higgins missed a kick for the first time in the match to leave the final score 64-36 to Wales.
