NZ thrash Cook Islands in women's RL

Nov 19, 2017 - 7:11 AM New Zealand winger Honey Hireme has crossed for six tries in the Kiwi Ferns' 76-0 thrashing of the Cook Islands at the women's Rugby League World Cup in Sydney on Sunday.

Hireme was the chief destroyer as the three-time world champions racked up their second 50-plus scoreline in as many matches at Southern Cross Group Stadium.

She showed why she was nicknamed "Honey Bill Williams" - in honour of All Blacks superstar Sonny Bill Williams - with a barnstorming effort that included 211 metres, eight linebreaks and a try assist as well as taking her tournament tally to eight tries.

The 19-time New Zealand rugby union Test representative was the first to score in the ninth minute and it was one-way traffic from there.

Centre Shontelle Woodman, back-rower Krystal Murray and five-eighth Raecene McGregor all crossed for doubles in the 14 tries-to-nil hatchet job.

After beating Canada 50-4, the Kiwi Ferns have now scored a cumulative 126 points in their two pool matches.

It was the Cook Islands' second straight heavy loss following on from their 58-4 thumping at the hands of Australia three days earlier.

The Cooks were cruelly denied a try by the video referee with a minute left after prop Natalee Tagavaitau was held up.

The Kiwis are guaranteed to finish top of pool B as they attempt to wrestle back the world cup from Australia.

While their victory was emphatic, it was not big enough to shade their 88-0 win over France at the 2013 world cup.

Source: AAP