World Cup overnight: Jillaroos survive scare; France dominate again

The main takeaways

• Cook Islands defeated France 26-18 in their final round of the tournament.
• Drawn in a group with the world’s top two sides, Australia and New Zealand, pride was on the line for these two sides after qualification hopes were already lost.
• Gold Coast's April Ngatupuna scored the opening try of the match for the Cook Islands. 

Star performers

The NRLW's April Ngatupuna made a statement on the world stage with the 19-year-old prop running 159 metres and breaking seven tackles in her 60-minute performance. 

What the result means

Both sides will move to the sidelines as the tournament after failing to qualify for the semi-finals. The Cook Islands will be happy to finish their tournament on a high, after facing tough competition against Australia and New Zealand in their first two matches. Meanwhile, France will take their learnings from this year's cup to build for the next World Cup on home soil in three years’ time.

The main takeaways

• The Australian Jillaroos overcame a determined New Zealand Ferns, to win 10-8 and finish on top of Group B.
• The Jillaroos conceded their first points of the tournament to a brave Kiwi Ferns outfit who staked their claim as World Cup final contenders.
• Jillaroos winger Julia Robinson scored her sixth try for the competition. 

Star performers

New Zealand prop Amber Hall was awarded player-of-the-match. Her try-saving-tackle on Jillaroos' Shaylee Bent in the 66th minute of the match is exemplary of the heart and determination which kept the Kiwis in the match for 80 minutes.  The star forward also finished the clash with 164 run metres and 11 tackle breaks. Fullback Apii Nicholls was also brilliant for the Ferns while Emma Tonegato's 60 minutes as a middle forward produced 35 tackles and 108 running metres.

What the result means

Both the Jillaroos and Ferns had already booked their semi-final tickets, having won their previous pool matches. Friday's result leaves New Zealand set to take on England and the Jillaroos to meet with Papua New Guinea. The do-or-die matches will take place at LNER Community Stadium in York on Tuesday November 15. 

Recap

• Match report: Jillaroos survive mighty scare to beat Ferns in thriller
• Key injuries: Nil

Recap

• World champions France defeated competition newcomers USA 116-6 to top Pool B and book a semifinal showdown with Australia.
• Jeremy Bourson scored a hat-trick in the first eight minutes of the match and finished the match with four.
• Mostefa Abassi crossed the line five times for France.

What the result means 

France will be chasing a hat-trick of tournament victories as they enter the finals as red-hot favourites. However, they will have to get past the Wheelaroos first who showed a lot of promise in the group stages, winning two out of three matches. Meanwhile, the USA's first Wheelchair World Cup has come to an end after a big loss against the defending champions.

Recap

• Wales booked their place in the Wheelchair Rugby League Semi-Final after defeating Scotland 70-36 in Sheffield on Friday (AEDT).
• Wales were out in force with Andrew Higgins scoring four tries for his side and Scott Trigg-Turner finishing with a hat-trick.
• Despite the loss, Scotland's Dan Grant had a day out on the court, crossing over four times for the defeated side.
• It was Wales' second Group B win after they defeated the USA earlier this week.

What the result means 

Wales will meet with the competition hosts in Sheffield next Monday to fight for a spot in the 2022 World Cup final. Meanwhile, Scotland will move to the sidelines as the tournament move into the semi-finals stage after failing to record a win throughout the group stage.