Jillaroos on alert for 'Honey Bill'

Nov 21, 2017 - 6:05 AM Australia have already formulated a plan for New Zealand try-scoring freak Honey Hireme ahead of what seems an inevitable showdown at the women's Rugby League World Cup.

The reigning world cup holders the Jillaroos and three-times champions the Kiwi Ferns appear to be on a collision course for next week's World Cup final.

Both sides have been equally impressive in the first two pool rounds, conceding just one try apiece while racking up a combined 222 points - Australia with 96 and New Zealand with 126.

With one pool game remaining on Wednesday, both sides are all but guaranteed to finish top of their pools and appear destined to meet in Saturday week's final at Suncorp Stadium.

Australia, who face Canada, and New Zealand, who meet Papua New Guinea, must get through their final pool showdown on Wednesday and semi-final before they think about the final.

However they have established themselves as the teams to beat.

The Jillaroos have been keeping a close eye on the Kiwis Ferns, particularly barnstorming winger Hireme, who scored six tries in their 76-0 thrashing of the Cook Islands on Sunday.

Asked how the Australians planned to stop Hireme, Jillaroos skipper Ruan Sims they would simply deprive her of the ball.

"She's on the wing so you just don't let it get to the wing," Sims said.

"It's pretty simple.

"She's such a talent so you have to give her as few opportunities and chances as you can. That's how you shut her out of a game."

Having been capped by the New Zealand Black Ferns rugby union side on 19 occasions, Hireme is a dual international.

She has been nicknamed "Honey Bill", in reference to fellow New Zealand code hopper Sonny Bill Williams.

Sims said the Kiwi Ferns had put everyone on notice following their dismantling of the Cook Islands and was watching their progress with great interest.

"They were fantastic to watch," Sims said.

"They utilised a few different people in different positions on the field and to see what they had and what they brought. It's been very interesting in watching them play.

"I'm looking forward to watching their semi-final against England, I think that will be a really good game to watch."

Source: AAP