The Jillaroos are the 2017 Women’s Rugby League World Cup Champions after defeating the New Zealand Kiwi Ferns in a classic final that was in the balance until the final minutes.
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Final score
Australia 23
New Zealand 16
Australia and New Zealand do battle in the final of the 2017 Women’s Rugby League World Cup. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary of the match at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, starting from 4:45pm (AEDT).
After a duo of drubbings of the hapless Canada, the Jilllaroos move into this final against the arch enemy in sparkling form.
They appear an unstoppable unit and it will take a mighty effort from the girls from across the ditch if they are to find a way past the home side.
If there is one country that always presents a ferocious challenge for Australia, it is New Zealand, no matter what the competition may be and they will be breathing fire early in this game.
Australia will look to settle early and gradually allow their skill, speed and dexterity across the park to come to the fore and slowly grind away at the New Zealand resistance.
Caitlin Moran and Isabelle Kelly have been outstanding for the Jillaroos and will present the New Zealand backline with continual questions throughout the afternoon. The Kiwi Ferns will look to counter with a powerful forward game.
Prediction
New Zealand will start well in this one and may even get in front early, however, the Australians will prove too strong over the long haul and win comfortably in the end.
Australia 32, New Zealand 12.
Join The Roar for live scores and commentary of the Women’s Rugby League World Cup Final between Australia and New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, starting from 4:45pm (AEDT).
Stuart Thomas
Expert
The Jillaroos are the 2107 World Cup Champions after defeating the New Zealand Kiwi Ferns in a classic final that was in the balance until the final minutes. New Zealand started the match like the proverbial house on fire and despite an early try from Isabelle Kelly, responded with two first half tries that saw them take them lead. Late in the half the Aussies finally found some fluency and took a narrow lead into the break. In the second period, Australia always looked the most likely, especially after Kelly nabbed her second, yet McGregor’s late try threw the cat amongst the pigeons and the pressure on the home team grew. Elianna Walton crashed over late in the game and seemingly iced the result for the Jillaroos yet after immense Kiwi Fern pressure, the game was in the balance right up to the final moments when Caitlin Moran slotted a neat field-goal to put the result beyond doubt. The Kiwi Ferns tried hard and there was much to like about their performance, however the Australians always seemed to have the edge in class and are probably the deserved victors. Caitlin Moran, Isabelle Kelly and Kezie Apps were outstanding in the final and the quality of football played in this game was more than impressive, despite the comments of one Roar member who seemed intent on deriding women’s Rugby League. Congratulations Australia and well played to New Zealand. A great final and something to whet the appetite for the next clash between these two great nations. Final Score Australia 23 New Zealand 16 Be sure to tune in to Scott Pryde’s call of the men’s Final tonight, as the number one caller on the Roar leads us through the men’s World Cup Final for 2017.
Nat
Roar Guru
Well done Jillaroos. Great game!
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Well done Australia, match report to follow in fifteen minutes.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Full-time Australia 23 New Zealand 16 after the Caitlin Moran field goal.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
80' Field-Goal Australia and it is all over.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
79' They lose the ball and the Australians are back in possession.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
79' Loose carry from the Australians and the New Zealanders will get one last shot at equalising the game.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
78' Another penalty, as the Aussies get another chance to close this one out.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
77' A solid set for the Australians yet the Kiwis defend well and will now work away from their line.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
76' Australia with the penalty and the chance to ice this game.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
75' Australia 22 New Zealand 16
Stuart Thomas
Expert
73' After the game ending injury to Davis-Welsh, New Zealand get the penalty with a potential full set on the Australian's line and they put it down.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
71' Another chance for the New Zealanders in the corner and they put the ball down a metre out.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
70' The conversion is successful.........Australia 22 New Zealand 16
Stuart Thomas
Expert
TRY Kiwi Ferns McGregor crashes over after a great attacking thrust.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
69' getting close to the last throw of the dice for the New Zealanders........................TRY
Stuart Thomas
Expert
68' The ref loves a penalty. This is ridiculous. I think he is over fifteen penalties.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
67' Australia 22 New Zealand 10
Stuart Thomas
Expert
After the New Zealanders return the ball to the Australians who have another good chance at the line yet a poor kick gives a seven tackle set to the Kiwi Ferns.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
63' Australia work deep into attack, the Kiwi Ferns let the kick bounce and are lucky to get the bounce and work away from their own line.