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HUDDERSFIELD – Jess Sergis and Emma Tonegato are the headline returners for the Jillaroos’ second World Cup game against France in York on Sunday night (Monday morning AEDT).
The pair had been rested for the first game, a win over the Cook Islands, with coach Brad Donald set to rotate the squad and give all players a chance before the third game, against the Kiwi Ferns, which is set up to be a battle to win the group.
Shaylee Bent, Jaime Chapman and Kailee Joseph are in line for debuts this weekend, while Taliah Fuimiano is set to start with Ali Brigginshaw moved to the bench.
“The debutantes were fantastic against the Cook Islands, as were the rest of the team,” said Donald. “We are looking forward to bringing those who didn’t play the first game into the team for the match against France.
“With the four-day turnarounds, the entire squad will be utilised to its capacity to ensure an overall team mentality. All players will be given an opportunity to show their wares and contribute to the entire World Cup campaign.”
Nelson out for 2017 revenge against Fiji
Nelson Asofa-Solomona has set his sights on revenge for New Zealand’s clash with Fiji on Saturday night (Sunday morning AEDT), with memories of the Bati’s upset win at the 2017 World Cup still raw.
Fiji defeated the Kiwis 4-2 in Wellington a week after Tonga had overcame the Kiwis in Hamilton, sending the hosts out in embarrassing circumstances.
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“It was very disappointing,” Asofa-Solomona told the Press Association. “Being a Wellingtonian and playing in Wellington for the first time and not getting the win was very disappointing, to let our country down.
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“Every time you lose big games like that, especially internationals, it always hurts. We have an opportunity this week to rectify that.
“We respect Fiji and we’re not looking past them. We know they have a lot of pride in their jersey and we have a lot of pride in our jersey so you’re going to see a physical game on Saturday.”
France crack 150 in Wheelchair bash-up
The French are favourites to take out the Wheelchair World Cup, and started their tournament in ominous fashion with a 154-6 win over Wales in Sheffield.
Wheelchair rugby league is typically higher scoring than the running game, but even so, the size of the scoreline will send a message to the rest of the tournament.
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France won the last World Cup, defeating England 38-34 in dramatic circumstances, and will now be set to cruise through a group in which Wales were likely the toughest opposition.
In the other game, the USA came from behind to defeat Scotland 62-41 in an entertaining affair.
