Despite facing criticism on social media following their tough loss to the Jillaroos, the crowd at the Santos National Football Stadium rallied behind the PNG Orchids throughout the entire 70 minutes of the game on Sunday 3rd November. The Orchids fell to the New Zealand Ferns with a score of 36-0, but they highlighted a much improved and resilient performance. The team spent much of the match on defense, achieving an impressive defensive stat of 81% with a total of 259 tackles. Most errors came from handling issues and a critical mistake during the fifth last kick placement, which hindered the Orchids from scoring. Nevertheless, the home crowd remained unwavering in their support, cheering for the team until the final whistle. Notably, captain Elsie Albert made a daring attempt to breach the Ferns' defense, igniting excitement among the fans. Debutant Jenny Wesley nearly crossed the line, adding to the thrilling moments that had the crowd buzzing. The crowd’s favorites, Jessikah Reeves and Emily Vievers, also made their mark with strong defensive performances, against the fast-attacking black ferns display. PNG Orchids Head Coach Tahnee Norris commended the team's effort during the post-game press conference. “You saw today, the improvement from the girls from last week to this week was outstanding.” said Tahnee Norris. Overall, this performance is a promising sign for the PNG Orchids' future, demonstrating their growth and potential as a team. The unwavering support from the crowd not only highlights their engagement, but also serves as a testament to the community's passion for women's rugby league. With this foundation, the Orchids can build on their efforts and continue to inspire both fans and aspiring players alike.