November 26, 2017 - 7:41 AM
SYDNEY, Australia - Australia ran in 11 tries to Canada's one as the defending champion Jillaroos defeated the Canada Ravens 58-6 in Sunday's semifinal at the Rugby League World Cup.
The lopsided result was not unexpected. Canada's women's program is in its infancy and Australia had blanked Canada 88-0 earlier in group play.
Canada's earlier win over Papua New Guinea and its enthusiastic approach won the Ravens kudos at the tournament, however.
The Australian women will face three-time champion New Zealand in Saturday's final in Brisbane, part of a doubleheader with the men's final. The Kiwis hammered England 58-6 in Sunday's other semifinal.
Australia led 42-0 before Natasha Smith scored the lone try for Canada eight minutes into the second half at Southern Cross Group Stadium. Smith scored three tries in Canada's group-stage 22-8 win over Papua New Guinea.
Canada fullback Irene Patrinos added the conversion.
The Canadian women had only played three club games before arriving at the tournament with a roster long on rugby union experience, athleticism and desire but short on rugby league experience.
The Ravens are coached by Mike Castle, a transplanted Brit based out of Australia's Gold Coast.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2017