Jillaroos co-captain predicts Cup 'brawl'
Nov 29, 2017 - 7:08 AM Jillaroos co-captain Ruan Sims predicts a "brawl" when Australia defend their Women's Rugby League World Cup title against perennial heavyweights New Zealand in Brisbane.The Jillaroos have a target on their backs after beating the Kiwi Ferns for the first time to claim the 2013 trophy, snapping a 13-year winless run against New Zealand.
Australia go into Saturday's decider as favourites after remaining unbeaten in 2017, including a 16-4 win over the Kiwi Ferns in May's Anzac Test in Canberra.
Sims says they hope to win fans by playing attractive football in the women's decider - the curtain-raiser to the men's final at Suncorp Stadium.
But Sims won't sugar-coat what to expect in the grand final.
"It's like those close siblings or close cousins that once you get in the backyard you just brawl every single time," she said of Australia's rivalry with New Zealand.
"Every game has been physical, tough and more importantly skilful.
"But I guarantee you it will be a very physical affair on Saturday."
The Jillaroos cruised into the final with a 58-6 win over Canada while the Kiwi Ferns were arguably more impressive in their 52-4 result over the highly-fancied England.
Three-time World Cup winners New Zealand have grabbed the underdog tag for the final but Sims believed there was still pressure on the Kiwi Ferns to perform.
"There's pressure on both teams," she said.
"The Kiwis have three World Cups, we have one - the weight of history is with the Kiwis.
"They are very, very strong. They have been the pinnacle of the game for an extended period of time.
"Now it's a real arm wrestle between both sides.
"It should be one for the ages."
Fellow Jillaroos co-captains Steph Hancock and Renae Kunst will retire after the final.
"It is not first and foremost in our minds but it is something we have discussed previously," Sims said of sending out the departing skippers winners.
"We all want to play for each other."
Source: AAP
No one has shouted yet.
Be the first!
Be the first!
Related News
- Morgan ready to be main man for Roos, Qld Dec 3
- Slater hints Cup final his last for Roos Dec 2
- NRL mustn't rush women's league: Jillaroos Dec 2
- Roos defend World Cup crown with shut-out Dec 2
- Tallis backs Bennett on stopping Roos ruck Dec 1
- Smith hints at Kangaroos farewell in final Nov 30
- No room for emotion for focused Jillaroos Nov 30
- Meninga's Cup final serve for Bennett Nov 30
- Next-gen Blues powering Kangaroos push Nov 29
- Morgan not getting comfortable at No.6 Nov 29
- Slater unsure Widdop best at one or six Nov 29
- Jillaroos shelve sentiment for Cup final Nov 29