Here’s what you might have missed overnight at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England.
Match: New Zealand v France
Round 1 -
home Team
New Zealand
away Team
France
Venue: LNER Community Stadium, York
The main takeaways
- New Zealand struggled to break France down early on and it took 23 minutes for them to score, but from that point on they ran in nine tries.
- France have lost influential lock Leila Bessahli for the remainder of the group stages after she failed a head injury assessment, meaning she now goes into a mandatory 11-day standdown period.
Star performers
Raecene McGregor has picked up right where she left off in her NRLW Dally M Medal winning season with the Roosters, and against France had four try assists, including a nice kick for her younger sister Page to score. Nita Maynard sparked the side into gear when she came on at hooker with energetic play. Shanice Parker had a solid Test debut which included a brilliant solo effort.
Parker blitzes French defence in 100m run
What the result means
The Kiwi Ferns are on track, with their final Group B clash against the Jillaroos likely to determine who goes through top. France will take heart from their performance ahead of taking on the world champions next.
Recap
- Match report: Kiwi Ferns make winning start against France
- Key injuries: Leila Bessahli (head knock)
Match Highlights: New Zealand v France
Match: Australia v Cook Islands
Round 1 -
home Team
Australia
away Team
Cook Islands Moana
Venue: LNER Community Stadium, York
The main takeaways
- Sam Bremner became the Jillaroos' all-time leading tryscorer with her four-try haul, overtaking Steph Hancock on the list with 14 tries.
- The Jillaroos made 2000 metres in the match compared to Cook Islands' 690, while Brad Donald's side missed just four tackles.
- Australia have now conceded just six points in their last three Test against teams other than the Kiwi Ferns.
Star performers
Samantha Bremner was untouchable at the back, with 206 run metres to go with her four tries. Up front Eels co-captain Simaima Taufa worked hard, carrying for over 200 metres, while Knights prop Caitlan Johnston squeezed plenty into her 52-minute stint, with 177 run metres.
What the result means
The Jillaroos sit top of the group after the first round, with France up next. Cook Islands are at the bottom, with the Kiwi Ferns awaiting them in round 2.
Recap
- Match report: Bremner scores four as Jillaroos down Cook Islands
- Key injuries: Nil.
Match Highlights: Australia v Cook Islands
