England Women will face New Zealand at the LNER Community Stadium in the Rugby League World Cup Semi-Final. Here is a closer look at tonight’s knockout match.
Craig Richards’ side are just 80 minutes away from an appearance at Old Trafford in the World Cup Final.
England have been impressive throughout the group stage with three victorious which saw them finish top of Group A.
After a strong start with a 72-4 victory over Brazil at Headingley. Courtney Winfield-Hill scored her first try for England and then completed her hat-trick in the second half. Meanwhile, all-time top scorer Amy Hardcastle scored a hat-trick of her own.
In the second game, England continued their dangerous attack scoring 11 tries.
Tara Stanley posed a continuous threat on the right edge. Stanley usually features at full-back for York; however, she has been seen to great effect as a centre through the competition.
Richards’ side faced Papua New Guinea on Wednesday, with both teams knowing a victory would seal top spot. Despite falling behind inside the opening five minutes, England bounced back and scored 42 unanswered points. This included a double from Hardcastle and a hat-trick by Leah Burke.
Vicky Molyneux returns to the side after being rested against Papua New Guinea. Molyneux was named as the Player of the Match in her final appearance against Canada at Wigan’s DW Stadium.
New Zealand will be looking to progress to the final and go one better than they did in 2017.
During their opening two matches, the Ferns showed their dominance with a 46-0 victory over France and a 34-4 success over Cook Islands.
In their final group match, New Zealand faced Australia. Despite losing narrowly, New Zealand gave a strong account of themselves in defence, and they even took the lead inside the final quarter. However, a Julia Robinson try late on snatched the victory away from New Zealand for the Jillaroos.
Kick-off is at 7:30PM and will be shown live on BBC Two.
England 19-Player Squad:
Tara Stanley, Caitlin Beevers, Fran Goldthorp, Amy Hardcastle, Leah Burke, Georgia Roche, Courtney Winfield-Hill, Grace Field, Tara Jones, Hollie Dodd, Emily Rudge (Captain), Jodie Cunningham, Vicky Molyneux, Vicky Whitfield, Shona Hoyle, Olivia Wood, Paige Travis, Keara Bennett, Zoe Harris
New Zealand 19-Player Squad:
Apii Nicholls, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Mele Hufanga, Page McGregor, Madison Bartlett, Abigail Roache, Raecene McGregor, Brianna Clark, Krystal Rota, Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala, Roxette Murdoch-Masila, Amber-Paris Hall, Georgia Hale, Nita Maynae, Mya Hill-Moana, Otesa Pule, Charlotte Scanlan, Christyl Stowers, Autumn-Rain Stephens Daly
