Two powerhouses of women's rugby league will go head-to-head at Old Trafford on Sunday (AEDT) when the Australian Jillaroos and Kiwi Ferns square off in their fourth-consecutive World Cup Final.
New Zealand, who have played in every World Cup final since the tournament's inception in 2000, have taken home the trophy a record three times, but after finishing runners-up to Australia in 2013 and 2017, will be desperate to reclaim their mantle.
The two sides have already faced off in the 2021 World Cup, with Australia defeating their Trans-Tasman rivals by two points in the final group game — the Kiwi underdogs standing tall against such their highly-touted opponent.
Led by 2022 NRLW Dally M medallist and Golden Boot winner Raecene McGregor, Brisbane props Amber Hall and Brianna Clark and rugby union convert Mele Hufanga, the Kiwi Ferns will head into Sunday’s match full of confidence after finding another gear in Tuesday’s 20-6 win over a fired-up England.
Brad Donald’s Jillaroos side, boasting world-class talent and remarkable depth, remain hot favourites and will head into the match full of confidence having racked up the points against Papua New Guinea in the semi-final.
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Team News
Jillaroos: Sam Bremner returns at fullback, shifting Emma Tonegato back to the bench, while Evania Pelite and Julia Robinson retain spots in the outside backs alongside star centres Isabelle Kelly and Jess Sergis. Tarryn Aiken partners Ali Brigginshaw in the halves, while co-captain Kezie Apps joins Yasmin Clydsdale in the back row. Kennedy Cherrington, Lauren Brown and Shaylee Bent join Tonegato on the bench with Holli Wheeler the unlucky player to miss out.
Kiwi Ferns: Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly returns to the side on the wing and will partner Mele Hufanga, who looms as a player to watch for the Kiwi Ferns after starring in the semi-final against England. 2022 Golden Boot winner Raecene McGregor will start in the halves alongside Abigail Roache, while Charlotte Scanlan and Katelyn Vahaakolo have been named at 18th and 19th players respectively.
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Key Match-Up
Isabelle Kelly v Page McGregor
An 80-minute masterclass against Papua New Guinea from Isabelle Kelly, which included three tries, an assist and three line-breaks, should have the Kiwi Ferns on high alert. Their left edge attack could be just as potent, however, with St George Illawarra star Page McGregor adding plenty of strike power to the Kiwi Ferns attack. The 23-year-old was a standout in her side's Round 1 match against France with a try, an assist and four tackle breaks — making for a World Cup debut to remember.
Kelly gets a first-half hat-trick
Stat Attack
Dynamic Kiwi Ferns fullback Apii Nicholls sits atop the kick return metres table with 321 at an average of 107 per game. Her teammate Shanice Parker is third on the list with 181 kick return metres in two games while Australia's best is Shannon Mato with 125m in three games.
Three-time World Cup champions New Zealand have won 25 of their 28 World Cup matches since 2000 at a stunning success rate of 89 per cent. Despite Australia winning the 2013 and 2017 World Cups, the Kiwi Ferns still hold the record title with three World Cup championships to their name.
Match Highlights: England v New Zealand