After the four Group A teams got the Women's Rugby League World Cup started on Tuesday, it is the turn of Group B to take the spotlight on Wednesday as world champions Australia and three-time former winners New Zealand kick off their assault on the title.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of Wednesday’s action…
New Zealand v France - Women's Group B
Where: LNER Community Stadium, York.
When: 5pm (GMT)
TV: BBC Red Button and BBC iPlayer
Referee: Ben Thaler (England)
Last meeting: New Zealand 88-0 France (Dewsbury, RLWC 2013)
New Zealand’s last five: LWLWW
France’s last five: WLWLL
After winning the first three editions of the Women's World Cup, New Zealand will be looking to bounce back to the winners' circle having lost the last two finals to Australia's Jillaroos. The Ferns are coached by Ricky Henry, a former assistant at the New Zealand Warriors, who took the role in 2020 to succeed former Hull Kingston Rovers head coach Justin Morgan. Henry's squad is stacked full of NRLW and international experience, making them huge favourites to reach a sixth consecutive final.
France are back in the finals after missing out in 2017, but they will be looking for a far better showing than their last appearance at this stage in 2013 when they scored just four points in four games and conceded 256. Head coach Vincent Baloup has told The Sportsman that his side can be more confident with their preparedness for the challenge than they would have been a year ago before the delayed to the 2021 tournament.
Sportsman stat: New Zealand have only ever lost eight full internationals, with all of those being at the hands of Australia.
Betfred tournament odds: New Zealand 9/1, France 100/1
Australia v Cook Islands - Women's Group B
Where: LNER Community Stadium, York.
When: 7:30pm (GMT)
TV: BBC Red Button and BBC iPlayer
Referee: Mike Smaill (New Zealand)
Last meeting: Australia 58-4 Cook Islands (Woolooware, RLWC 2017)
Australia’s last five: WWWWW
Cook Islands’ last five: LLLWW
Jillaroos coach Brad Donald has admitted to The Sportsman that preparation for this World Cup has not been ideal due to the rearranged NRLW seasons post-Covid, but his side still remain heavy favourites for a reason. Skipper Sam Bremner, Sydney Roosters teammate Isabelle Kelly and Brisbane Broncos' Ali Brigginshaw are among the big names to have been there and done that in previous World Cup wins, while the Gold Coast Titans' Lauren Brown is a true points machine.
For the Cook Islands, this has to rank as a tough draw. With experience of having beaten England and drawn with Great Britain over their World Cup campaigns past, the Moana are better known for their Nines team than for the 13-a-side game but will back themselves to give their more esteemed group rivals the odd scare.
Sportsman stat: In winning the 2017 event, Australia won all five matches and scored 265 points against just 26 conceded.
Betfred tournament odds: Australia 1/12, Cook Islands 33/1
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject to Change
