The Jillaroos are expected to cruise to another World Cup final but it will not be so easy for the Kiwi Ferns in their clash with Samoa.
The last time these nations met Samoa very nearly caused one of the greatest upsets in women’s Rugby League history, a 22-20 loss in the Pacific Championships. They can get over the line this week against a poorly coached Kiwi Ferns team that has been underachieving. No team has been more disappointing this World Cup than New Zealand, whose performances against Fiji and Papua New Guinea have been very poor. Samoa, meanwhile, have overachieved, particularly in a good showing against the all-conquering Jillaroos. New Zealand have covered just one of six against Southern Hemisphere teams and can absolutely lose this one. Stacey Waaka is a legitimate star who has six tries in her three World Cup games while she has crossed for 15 tries in 16 NRLW games. Laikah Clarke is an undervalued tryscoring prop who has a try this World Cup and scored three tries in 12 NRLW games this season.
Tips
Best: Samoa +12.5 ($1.90)
Next: Samoa Win ($3.90)
Tryscorer: Stacey Waaka ($7.50 First, $1.80 Anytime)
SGM: Stacey Waaka Try/Laikha Clarke Try ($16.38)
We are witnessing something truly special with this Jillaroos team, a generational confluence of some of the great female Rugby League talent. That bodes terribly for a gutsy Fiji side that just does not have the starpower or the talent to run with this Jillaroos team that is as ruthless as it is talented. Fresh off scoring a world record 124 points, Australia has shown that they will show no mercy. They have won eight of their last nine against non-New Zealand opposition by 60-plus points and that was against Samoa, clearly the third best side in the world. Australia can put 80 on here. Olivia Kernick has scored in all three Tests and has scored in five straight against non-Kiwi opposition. Jaime Chapman has been a star this World Cup with nine tries in three games. Jess Sergis has doubles in three of her six World Cup games.
Tips
Best: Australia -62.5 ($1.90)
Next: Australia -79.5 ($4.60)
Tryscorer: Olivia Kernick ($15 First, $2.15 Anytime)
SGM: Olivia Kernick Try/Jaime Chapman 2+ Tries/Jess Sergis 2+ Tries ($7.10)
