Oil Search PNG Orchids

But the win for the world number one ranked side didn’t come easy under the scorching sun of Port Moresby.

The Australians were clinical in the first half, putting on 30 points on a side that was making their first international debut.

Despite running in two early tries, it wasn’t all perfect in the second half for the Jillaroos with passages of scrappy play.

This allowed the home side to put some sets together and build up pressure inside their opponent’s half.

Coach of the Oil Search PNG Orchids, Dennis Miall, said his team is ready to take on the world number one ranked team.

“We know they have all the experience and are number one in the world. We know all this.

“It will be the first time, but our girls are ready to give them a go.

“We are confident our girls can do it,” said Miall.

Captain of the Orchids and former PNG Palais representative, Cathy Neap, said it was a great honour to be given the captaincy and was looking forward to leading the Orchids into battle.

The Jillaroos are due in at 12.35pm with the Australian PM’s XIII side arriving from Cairns half an hour later at 1.10pm.

Both teams will enter through the ceremonial park for the public to greet them.

Following this, a media conference will be held at 3.30pm at the Stanley Hotel where the Australian PM’s XIII coach, Mal Meninga, and captain Aaron Woods plus Jillaroos coach, Brad Donald, and captain Ruan Sims, will attend.

Oil Search was announced this week as the naming rights sponsor for the inaugural Oil Search PNG Orchids – the women’s team to participate in the annual PNG Prime Minister’s XIII against Australia next month and also in the 2017 Women’s Rugby League World Cup.

Speaking during the launch, Oil Search Managing Director Peter Botten said Oil Search is a proud advocate of women’s empowerment and strongly supports the campaign to end violence against women, through the company as well as the Oil Search Foundation.