World Cup 9s Day 1: Kangaroos and Lions fire, Cook Islands spring upset

Australia 25 beat New Zealand 12

Australia opened their World Cup 9s in scintillating fashion with Josh Addo-Carr running free and David Fifita running rampant in a 25-12 win over New Zealand.

It took Addo-Carr less than a minute to open his tryscoring account when he cashed in on Wade Graham’s skilful lead-up work.

The Storm flyer made it two soon after and again Graham was the provider, this time with a perfectly weighted kick for ‘The Fox’ to chase.

New Zealand hit back when Jamayne Isaako latched onto a long ball from Shaun Johnson to score but the home side were in again when Fifita and Ryan Papenhuyzen combined to put Kyle Feldt over.

Rampaging Bronco Fifita then powered across for a four-pointer of his own to put the result beyond doubt but Johnson had some more magic up his sleeve to send Isaako across for a second try.

Fifita then capped a stunning night when he showed off all his athleticism to cross wide out.

Australia 22 beat New Zealand 8 (women)

With captain Ali Brigginshaw showcasing the full range of her skills the Australian Jillaroos downed arch-rivals New Zealand 22-8 in their opening match.

Brigginshaw was in everything in the first half as the home side ran in three tries and capped a brilliant night when she kicked for herself and followed through to score under the sticks in the second term.

Australia’s opening try was one of the best of the night as Brigginshaw found Shakiah Tungai who raced downfield and put in a perfect centre kick for Keeley Davis to score under the posts.

Brigginshaw then delivered a brilliant flick pass for Tiana Penitani to score before Corban McGregor stretched the Jillaroos’ lead to 15-0 at the break.

Atawhai Tupaea and Jules Newman restored some pride for New Zealand with late tries but the win was in the bag for the Jillaroos.

Samoa 32 beat Fiji 17

The Penrith Panthers connection ran riot as Samoa opened their World Cup 9s campaign with a 32-17 win over Fiji.

Jarome Luai was the first on the board with a strong solo try in the second minute try and that was followed up by Moses Leota crossing under the sticks for a bonus zone try.

Fiji hit back when Maika Tudravu crossed in the right hand corner after Kevin Naiqama had butchered a try on the left hand side.

Tryscoring machine Brian To’o made it a Panthers trifecta of tries when he rounded out a powerful first half for Samoa by powering through four defenders.

To’o then made it a double courtesy of good lead-up from Danny Levi and Joey Leilua before Leota got a double of his own.

A late try to Bankwest Stadium cult hero Maika Sivo gave the crowd what they came for but it was too little too late for Fiji.

Cook Islands 30 beat Tonga Invitational 7

Kayal Iro did his famous father Kevin proud with a dazzling display in Cook Islands’ impressive 30-7 win over Jason Taumalolo’s Tonga Invitation side.

Promising youngster Iro crossed twice in the opening stanza as Cook Islands stunned Tonga with their expansive play.

Eels veteran Brad Takairangi was also a star for Cook Islands, laying on a try for Steven Marsters with a deft grubber kick and tormenting the defence with his footwork and passing game.

Aaron Teroi and Anthony Gelling then got in on the tryscoring action as Cook Islands put the icing on a stunning upset win.

England 25 beat Wales 4

Canberra-bound playmaker George Williams showed some silky skills as England opened their World Cup 9s account with a blistering 25-4 win over Wales.

Williams was in everything in the first half as tries to Daryl Clark, Sam Tomkins and Jermaine McGillvary saw the Lions open up a handy 17-0 lead.

Brilliant lead-up play from Tomkins and James Graham shortly after the break set up Jake Connor for a try as England ran away with the game.

Tomkins, who had a fine season in Super League with Catalans Dragons, then produced a magical flick pass to hand Connor his double.

The Wayne Bennett-coached England showcased a great mix of skill and speed to send a warning to their rivals that they mean business this weekend.

England 25 beat Papua New Guinea 4 (women)

England's Rhiannon Marshall grabbed the first bonus zone try of the World 9s when she stormed through the middle of the Orchids defence to score under the posts in the first half of her side's 25-4 victory.

Caitlin Beevers added a second try for England wide out before PNG hit back through Ua Ravu on the stroke of half-time after a sensational burst by Catherine Anjo.

Marshall, who played for Castleford in last week's women's Super League grand final, bagged a second try after the break before Emily Rudge and Leah Burke also crossed to blow the score out. 

Lebanon 12 beat France 8

Lebanon's Bilal Maarbani grabbed a first-half double to lead the Cedars to a 12-8 win in opening match of the World Cup 9s.

The 21-year-old scored eight tries in 14 matches for Western Suburbs in Canterbury Cup in 2019 and carried that form into the tournament opener at Bankwest Stadium.

Maarbani's first was set up by the Robinson brothers, Travis and Reece, and he followed that 60 seconds later with a solo effort beating two defenders.

Paul Marcon and Gavin Marguerite crossed after the break to get France back into the contest but Lebanon held on for the win.