Sport: Cook Islands, PNG face uphill battles to reach semis

11:47 am on 22 November 2017

Pride is on the line for the Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea in today's final pool matches at the Women's Rugby League World Cup.

The Pacific nations remain winless after two rounds although they do retain a mathematical chance of reaching the semi finals.

The Cook Islands have suffered heavy defeats by Australia and New Zealand and need to thrash England by 61 points to advance to the knockout stage.

The Cook Islands Moana perform the Pe’e -Vaine Moana.

The Cook Islands Moana perform the Pe’e -Vaine Moana. Photo: NRL Photos

Moana second rower Crystal Tamarua admitted they do not know a lot about their opponents but know they need to improve.

"Definitely our defence, like for the Kiwis knew our right side wasn't as strong so we could just polish up on our right-side edge a bit more and work as a team on defence."

The PNG Orchids suffered defeats by England and Canada and must withstand a rampant New Zealand attack to reach the final four.

"The girls just have to step up on their defence and hold onto the defence for the rest of the game and then we could expect something good," said coach Dennis Miall.

"But if we are not able to learn from our mistakes that will be against us."

The PNG Orchids are competing in their first Women's Rugby League World Cup.

The PNG Orchids are competing in their first Women's Rugby League World Cup. Photo: NRL Photos

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