Fiji have narrowly fallen short of an extraordinary upset in a thrilling women’s Rugby League World Cup debut as New Zealand escaped with a 18-12 victory in Newcastle on Sunday.

The Bulikula, making their first ever appearance in a World Cup, conceded a second-minute try but never let their heads drop, hitting back with two converted tries in six minutes late in the first half.

But it was the Kiwi Ferns who stood tall when the game came down to penalty goals in the last 10 minutes.

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New Zealand struggled to break down the Fijian defence, even under the pressure of repeat sets, and remarkably opted for a penalty goal from 10 metres in front rather than fresh set of six with 19 minutes left in the match.

“This is a huge show of respect for how the opposition is defending,” Brett Kimmorley said in commentary on Channel 7.

New Zealand levelled the scores at 12-all with the conversion but Fiji were back on the attack within minutes.

Fiji could have retaken the lead with their own penalty goal following a high shot but instead took the tap and forced a drop-out.

“The attacking prowess of Bulikula is on fire,” Shontelle Stowers said.

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Moments later Fiji, who had just one fit player left on the bench late in the second half, did take the two after a successful captain’s challenge against a loose carry found another high shot.

Skipper Sereana Naitokatoka took on the task from in front but hooked it to the left.

“Would you believe it? She’s missed from almost directly in front,” Drury Forbes said.

Fiji paid the price for that miss and ill-discipline when New Zealand converted a penalty goal for a 14-12 lead with just under six minutes remaining.

The Kiwi Ferns sealed victory after Mele Hufanga’s powerful run set up the chance for Raecene McGregor to chip perfectly to Leianne Tufuga in the corner.

But there was almost one last twist with less than a minute remaining.

Fiji got the ball back from a short kick-off and got inside the 20, but knocked on with just five seconds remaining.

“They were pushed all the way by the Fiji Bulikula and the Kiwi Ferns, well, who would’ve thought this match would’ve gone like this? This one going the distance, right up until the final play — a game that no one will ever forget,” Forbes said.

Stowers added: “This will be a game that goes down in history, not only for Fiji Bulikula in their first game but challenging the Kiwi Ferns, an outstanding game.”

Fiji will get their next chance to claim a maiden victory against Papua New Guinea next Saturday while New Zealand take on France the following day.

New Zealand fullback Apii Nicholls said their error-strewn performance was a “wake-up call”.

But she also conceded they were caught off-guard by the Fijians.

“We knew they were going to be fast, aggressive, and I think we didn’t realise how tough it would be,” Nicholls told Channel 7.

“But I’m just glad we stayed in it and in the second half we managed to stick to our game plan and processes.”

Naitokatoka praised the “amazing” effort in a “challenging” game amid the injuries.

“I’m very proud, that’s just the Fijian blood inside of us,” the captain said.

“We’re warriors and no matter how many people are on the bench we’ll still push hard for each other.”