Women's Rugby League World Cup: England face tough test in semi-final

It was a tough and humbling experience for England in their group game against Cook Islands

England play New Zealand in their World Cup semi-final on Sunday looking to bounce back from their shock defeat by the Cook Islands.

Chris Chapman's team were humbled 22-16 on Wednesday but still managed to qualify from their group.

They will now take on a Kiwi Ferns team who had previously defeated the Cook Islands 76-0 in the group stage.

The unbeaten Australians take on Canada in Sunday's other semi-final - with both matches played in Sydney.

The Jillaroos went into the tournament as reigning champions and hot favourites to retain their title - and like the Australia men's team they have so far swept all before them.

The women's tournament comprises six teams split across two groups, with all the teams playing everybody in their group as well as one intra-group match.

The Jillaroos took on the Canada Ravens in their final group game and thrashed them 88-0.

New Zealand - who won the tournament in 2000, 2005 and 2008 - finished top of their group after wins over Canada, Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands.

Winger Honey Hireme, who is the tournament's leading try scorer, with six so far, and despite being favourites to win the game, Kiwi Ferns coach Tony Benson is taking nothing for granted.

"They're an incredibly physical side that will come at us hard so it's our job to be ready for that," said Benson.

"We've identified a number of areas to work on that will improve our performance, and execution of those tweaks will be key for us."

England coach Chapman has made five changes to his team ahead of their meeting.

Half-back Kirsty Maroney and winger Charlotte Booth return to the England side, while hooker Danielle Bound, prop Beth Sutcliffe and centre Jessica Courtman will start after being on the interchange bench on Wednesday.

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