'I've been immersed in the culture': Taufa embracing NZ homecoming

Harvey Norman Jillaroos veteran Simaima Taufa is determined to enjoy a successful homecoming as the side prepares for their first match in New Zealand since 2018. 

The Australian side arrived in Christchurch late on Sunday night and have turned their focus to avenging last year's shock loss to the Kiwi Ferns. 

Taufa was born in Tonga but spent much of her childhood growing up in Auckland before her family moved to Sydney and she's relishing the opportunity to return to New Zealand. 

"Growing up in New Zealand I've been immersed in the culture here," Taufa said. "My family made that transition and moved from Tonga to New Zealand so it's got a special place in my heart. 

"It's played a pivotal role for me as a woman and we haven't been here in a while so it's special for the group to experience this culture outside of Australia. It's an opportunity for the girls to showcase their skills and the Jillaroos brand here in New Zealand and we're here to get the job done. 

"The loss last year is hurting a lot of us and it's something we took a lot of lessons from."

The Jillaroos and Kangaroos attended a traditional Māori welcome on Wednesday afternoon alongside the Kiwi Ferns and Kiwis before the four teams were introduced to Christchurch supporters at a fan day. 

The Australian women enjoyed a tight victory the last time they played in New Zealand, Isabelle Kelly scoring twice in the final 20 minutes to secure a 26-24 come-from-behind win.

Five players in the team for Sunday's clash featured in the match, with Julia Robinson scoring a try in her first international appearance. 

Kelly was a fresh-faced 22-year-old back in 2018 and was instantly drawn in by the vocal crowd at Mt Smart Stadium.

The centre is expecting a similar reception by raucous New Zealand fans at a sold-out Apollo Projects Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

"The crowd wasn't [behind] us but the atmosphere was unreal," Kelly said.

"I remember playing in the Auckland 9s as well, there weren't too many people supporting us but it was an incredible atmosphere so I can only imagine it's going to be the same.

"The women's game has come a really long way, the product is a lot better so we're going to put on a great display out there."

Kelly is preparing to reach a special milestone on Sunday afternoon, with the centre to play her 15th match for Australia.

She will join Taufa in achieving the feat, who notched her 15th appearance in last week's 84-0 win over Papua New Guinea.

Kelly could never have predicted how far the game would progress when she made her Test debut back in 2017 and she's eager to play a key role in taking the sport to the next level in the coming years.