Rugby League Women's World Cup Wrap

Rugby League Women's World Cup Wrap

Australia will play Canada and New Zealand will meet England in the semi-finals of the Rugby League Women's World Cup at Southern Cross Group Stadium on Sunday, following the completion of the pool rounds.

The Kiwi Ferns, who have won four of the previous five Women's World Cups, finished unbeaten at the top of Pool B after wins against Canada, Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea, while the world champion Jillaroos were also undefeated in the pool rounds to top Pool A after wins over Cook Islands, England and Canada.

The Jillaroos crossed for a remarkable 37 tries in their three pool games and scored a total of 184 points while conceding just four points, but New Zealand were just as impressive and also conceded just one try while scoring 164 points.

However, the individual player statistics underline the talent that also exists in the other nations, with players from Canada, Cook Islands, England and Papua New Guinea featuring prominently among the leader boards.

While the Cooks Islands Moana and PNG Orchids bow out of the tournament after Wednesday night, both teams won many admirers for the their skill and courage among the fans who attended the three rounds of pool games at Southern Cross Group Stadium or watched on the screens of Seven.

The Moana's win over England on Wednesday and Canada's historic defeat of the Orchids last Sunday to secure a semi-final berth were among the highlights of the World Cup so far and culminated in emotional scenes at Southern Cross Group Stadium.

PNG Orchids also did themselves and the Rugby League-mad nation proud at their first Rugby League Women's World Cup and trailed just 8-0 at half time against the Kiwi Ferns on Wednesday night.

The kick-off times for the semi-finals of the Rugby League Women's World Cup on Sunday, 26 November at Southern Cross Group Stadium are:
1.45pm (AEDT): England v New Zealand
4pm (AEDT): Australia v Canada

The winners will meet in the final at Brisbane Stadium on Saturday, 2 December, which will be the first time the Rugby League Women's World Cup champions have been crowned at the same venue on the same day as the men's World Cup victors.

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