The Australian Jillaroos get their Women’s Rugby League World Cup campaign underway, taking on an unknown quantity in the Cook Islands. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 4pm (AEDT).
The tournament consists of six teams, split into two groups of three. Each team plays the other in their pool, and one crossover match to make three matches in a very tight seven-day window.
From there, the top two teams from each group qualify for the semi-final, the winners playing a final which is being classified as a curtain raiser to the men’s match at Suncorp Stadium on December 2.
Australia are defending champions, and despite the growth of the women’s game, red-hot favourites to go back-to-back.
Their biggest rivals will be New Zealand (in Group B) and England, who they will play in their second match on Sunday afternoon.
The Jillaroos have once again named a strong squad for the World Cup, although with so much footy to be played in less than two weeks, they have rested some established stars from the first game, player management being one of the key issues facing all these teams.
Ruan Sims will sit out the first game, as will Renae Kunst. The spine is more or less as expected though, with halves Ali Brigginshaw and Caitlin Moran joined by hooker Brittany Breayley and fullback Nakia Davis-Walsh.
If they can link and make the most of their opportunities, then there are plenty of points to be scores for the green and gold.
The Jillaroos beat the New Zealand Ferns convincingly in the mid-year Test this year, and there are very few questioning the fact they are the best team in the world.
They will have a fitness and talent advantage over the Cook Islands, who we don’t know a whole lot about.
The key point to take from the Cook Islands squad is that Brad Takairangi’s sister, Kiana will be linking up for the Moana. The fullback will need to have a big influence on the game alongside halves Lydia Turua-Quedley and Manea Poa-Maoate.
As with any Pacific island team, the forward pack will need to do a huge turn of work, but even then, they should be outpowered by the physical Australians.
Prediction
This could be a shelling. The Jillaroos will be keen to rotate players and work on combinations though, so it could be over by halftime with a very quiet second half to follow.
Jillaroos by 30.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of the Jillaroos World Cup opener from 4pm (AEDT) and don’t forget to drop a comment in the section below.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
I only got to watch the first half but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was nothing short of a miracle for the Cook Islands players to even be on the field given that they were only recently able to get their team together. Nonetheless, the class between the two sides was significant and so in that respect, it will be interesting to see how Australia go against New Zealand and possibly England as well where they will be tested a bit more.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
I was only able to watch up until half time but the interview with the Cook Islands player was telling. They had only managed one session last Sunday, if I recall right, and about four of their players arrived on the morning of the match! Got to give them credit for even getting out there. As she said, the scoreline was one thing but the effort by the team despite having just been put together a few days earlier is nothing short of outstanding. A clear case of seeing the glass as half full! Well done.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
You forgot to mention Dagobah, Hoth, Tatooine, Mustafar, Naboo and yes, even Coruscant. But no Death Star because that would be just plain silly.
AussieIrish
Guest
Hello Andy, How are the multiple personalities getting? No arguments?
frnq
Guest
This comment has been removed for breaching The Roar's comments policy.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thanks for joining me this afternoon on The Roar for the Australian Jillaroos opener at the Women's Rugby League World Cup as they beat the Cook Islands by 54 points. Hopefully you enjoyed the call. The Women's Rugby League World Cup will be live again on Sunday with the Jillaroos hosting England at 1:45pm (AEDT). Before then though, the quarter-finals will see Australia play Samoa on Friday at 8:30pm (AEDT), and I'll be live for that one. Before then, you can join me from 7:50pm (AEDT) this evening as the A-League continues with the Central Coast Mariners taking on Adelaide United. Bye for now.
Jara W
Guest
Refreshing to see truly different styles of footy lately. This game no different!
Scott Pryde
Expert
Absolutely Jara. Good sum up. Jillaroos look dominant.
Scott Pryde
Expert
The men's tournament also continues with the quarter-finals this weekend. Here is a reminder of the fixtures, with each game live on The Roar. All times are AEDT. Friday, 8:30pm - Australia vs Samoa at Darwin Stadium Saturday, 3pm - Tonga vs Lebanon at Christchurch Stadium Saturday, 5:30pm - New Zealand vs Fiji at Wellington Stadium Sunday, 4pm - England vs Papua New Guinea at Melbourne Stadium
Scott Pryde
Expert
The final game of the opening day will see England take on Papua New Guinea at 6:30pm tonight. Here are the fixtures for Sunday with each team set to play their second game of the tournament. Group A: Australia vs England (1:45pm) Crossover: New Zealand vs Cook Islands (4pm) Group B: Papua New Guinea vs Canada (6:30pm)
Jara W
Guest
Good effort by the Cook Islands to throw a team together in such short time. They’ll be much better off for the run. Especially if they keep that effort up. Roos were great though. Clinical performance with zero complacency. Loved it!
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thoughts on the game then Roarers?
Scott Pryde
Expert
FULLTIME Australia will just run the clock down here. No drama left in this one as Brigginshaw puts a kick down field and Takairangi is tackled bringing it back. That'll do is as the siren goes. Australia with a dominant win to open their Women's Rugby League World Cup, running on 11 tries to 1 over the Cook Islands. It's certainly not going to be their toughest match of the campaign, but they had to start somewhere, and they have done a good job of it today. Short turnarounds ahead. The next games are on Sunday and Australia will receive a much tougher test there against England. Australia 58 Cook Islands 4
Scott Pryde
Expert
CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL by MADDIE STUDDON Australia 58 Cook Islands 4
Scott Pryde
Expert
78' - TRY AUSTRALIA, CATILYN MORAN Australia with another one. Moran a great run in from the sideline right there for Australia after they went the length of the field in the set. Australia 56 Cook Islands 4
Scott Pryde
Expert
77' - Solid set after points from the Cook Islands. Australia 52 Cook Islands 4
Scott Pryde
Expert
CONVERSION MISSED Australia 52 Cook Islands 4
Scott Pryde
Expert
74' - TRY COOK ISLANDS, CHANTELLE INANGARO SCHOFIELD The Cook Islands on the board. A set of almost nothing, but then a move down the short side on the last with Maraera going to Schofield who has to battle through a tackle, but she gets the ball free and plants it in the corner. Australia 52 Cook Islands 4
Jara W
Guest
Enjoying this level of commitment at 52-0
Scott Pryde
Expert
73' - Isabelle Kelly with a mistake for Australia just short of halfway. Australia 52 Cook Islands 0