Pacific nations still winless at Women's World Cup

The Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea are still searching for their first victories at the Women's Rugby League World Cup in Sydney.

The Cook Islands were thrashed 76-0 by New Zealand with the Kiwi Ferns running in 14 unanswered tries - six of those to winger Honey Hireme.

The Moana also conceded 58 points in their opening match against Australia and second rower Crystal Tamarua said they knew it was going to be tough going up against the top three teams in the world in the group stage.

But she said it was still an honour to represent their nation.

"We just put our country on the map and just to play with pride and no matter what the result is it's good to be on this journey with the girls and to experience league at a top stage," she said.

Papua New Guinea were beaten 22-8 by Canada, who achieved their first ever World Cup victory.

Martha Karl and Christie Bulhage scored for the Orchids, who lost their opening match of the tournament 38-8 against England.

Coach Dennis Miall said they gave their best but made too many handling errors and took the wrong options in attack.

"We did well with our defence but we could not hold on to the defence for the rest of the game," he said.

"The girls ran up hard and strong and went off again and came on and off and I think that was where we went down."

The final round of group matches is on Wednesday with PNG up against New Zealand and Cook Islands taking on England.

 

 

Photo: NRL Photos Honey Hireme bagged six tries against the Cook Islands