Australia men win World Cup 9s, but women lose to New Zealand

James Gordon

Players from New Zealand lift the trophy after winning the Women's Rugby League World Cup 9s in the Final between Australia and New Zealand during the Downer Rugby League World Cup 9's competition at Bankwest Stadium in Sydney, Saturday, October 19, 2019. (AAP Image/Brendon Thorne) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY ** STRICTLY EDITORIAL USE ONLY, NO COMMERCIAL USE, NO BOOKS **

Australia won the inaugural World Cup 9s as both England sides were knocked out at the penultimate stage by New Zealand.

England men suffered a shock 16-13 defeat to Lebanon, who had earlier been embroiled in an ineligible player storm that saw their opening day win over France chalked from the records.

Players from Lebanon celebrate at full time after victory in the Men’s Pool game between England and Lebanon.

Wayne Bennett’s side only progressed to the semi-finals thanks to Wales beating Lebanon 25-14, bouncing back to beat France 38-4 to set up a do or die clash with New Zealand.

James Graham of England is tackled by the France defence in the Men’s Pool game between England and France

In the semi-final, the turning point came early on when winger Jermaine McGillvary was hauled down short of the line after a 70-metre break and the Kiwis struck on the counter-attack through Ken Maumalo.

There was no way back for England when Jamayne Isaako and Reimis Smith added further tries either side of half-time and, although McGillvary collected George Williams’ kick to grab a consolation try, Isaako wrapped up the scoring with his second try.

Josh Addo-Carr of Australia scores a try in the Men’s Semi Final game between Australia and Samoa

Australia, who beat Samoa 25-8 in the semi-finals, went on to become the first winners thanks largely to a hat-trick of tries from Mitchell Moses in a 24-10 triumph over the Kiwis.

England’s women were outclassed on the second day as New Zealand went on to beat Australia 17-15 in the final.

Faye Gaskin of England runs the ball in the Women’s Pool game between Australia and England

Georgia Wilson scored England’s only try in a 42-4 defeat by the Jillaroos while Amy Hardcastle was on the mark in a 33-4 loss to the Kiwi Ferns.

Saturday results

France 23-6 Wales

Rhys Evans of Wales is tackled by the Alrix Da Costa of France in the Men’s Pool game between France and Wales

England 13-16 Lebanon

Samoa 17-4 Cook Islands

Tonga 21-17 Fiji

New Zealand 18-17 Papua New Guinea

Australia 41-11 USA

Lebanon 14-25 Wales

England 38-4 France

Fiji 10-12 Cook Islands

Tonga 20-24 Samoa

Fanitesi Niu of Tonga runs the ball in the Men’s Pool game between Samoa and Tonga

New Zealand 46-0 USA

Jerome Veve of the USA is tackled by the New Zealand defence in the Men’s Pool game between New Zealand and USA

Australia 26-0 Papua New Guinea

Daly Cherry-Evans of Australia is tackled by Justin Olam of PNG in the Men’s Pool game between Australia and PNG

New Zealand 22-6 England (semi-final)

Australia 25-8 Samoa (semi-final)

Australia 24-10 New Zealand (final)

New Zealand 24-12 Papua New Guinea

Australia 42-4 England

Australia 30-6 Papua New Guinea

New Zealand 33-4 England

Australia 15-17 New Zealand (final)

Krystal Rota of New Zealand runs the ball in the Women’s Final between Australia and New Zealand 
International Australia

Related Articles