Canada beaten by mighty Australia in Women’s Rugby League World Cup semifinal

SYDNEY, Australia – Australia ran in 11 tries to Canada’s one as the defending champion Jillaroos defeated the Canada Ravens 58-6 in Sunday’s semifinal at the Rugby League World Cup.

The lopsided result was not unexpected. Canada’s women’s program is in its infancy and Australia had blanked Canada 88-0 earlier in group play.

Canada’s earlier win over Papua New Guinea and its enthusiastic approach won the Ravens kudos at the tournament, however.

The Australian women will face three-time champion New Zealand in Saturday’s final in Brisbane, part of a doubleheader with the men’s final. The Kiwis hammered England 58-6 in Sunday’s other semifinal.

Australia led 42-0 before Natasha Smith scored the lone try for Canada eight minutes into the second half at Southern Cross Group Stadium. Smith scored three tries in Canada’s group-stage 22-8 win over Papua New Guinea.

Canada fullback Irene Patrinos added the conversion.

The Canadian women had only played three club games before arriving at the tournament with a roster long on rugby union experience, athleticism and desire but short on rugby league experience.

The Ravens are coached by Mike Castle, a transplanted Brit based out of Australia’s Gold Coast.