Australia have started their World Cup title defence in fine style with a 58-4 thrashing of the Cook Islands.
The Jillaroos ran in 11 tries to 1 at Southern Cross Group Stadium as the shire hosted the first triple header of pool matches.
Cronulla Sharks back-rower Talesha Quinn celebrated her Jillaroos debut with the try of the match in the first half with Nakia Davis-Welsh, Meg Ward and Lavina O’Mealey also making their first appearances in the green and gold.
Australia coach Brad Donald left co-captain and star forward Ruan Sims and a handful of his big guns out of the side but having seen New Zealand’s comfortable 50-4 win over Canada earlier in the day, the Jillaroos looked to make a statement of their own given a likely final against the Kiwi Ferns is on the horizon.
“[Our debutants] were outstanding and just repaid the faith we showed in those guys,” Donald said.
“To step up and play as well as the incumbents that will play on Sunday. We’re really proud of all the debutants and couldn't be prouder of the squad for the selflessness they showed today and the effort they put in.
“We represent a number of players that have gone before, we represent a number of players that missed out on the squad. And I think that effort today just typifies what they’re playing for.”
An Australian mistake in the opening set gifted the Cook Islands possession but any signs of early nerves were blown away when halfback Caitlin Moran wrestled her way to the try line to open the scoring after seven minutes.
Hooker Brittany Breayley barged over from dummy half five minutes later before Karina Brown finished off an excellent team try to see the Jillaroos 14-0 in front after 15 minutes.
Ali Brigginshaw then produced a superb solo effort, with the five-eighth showing good speed to run 60 metres and score under the posts.
Vanessa Foliaki and Isabelle Kelly scored tries either side of the try of the match when Quinn finished off a length of the field effort. Brown scooped the ball up from dummy half and swerved and stepped her way through a number of Moana defenders before linking up with Maddie Studdon. Studdon offloaded to Quinn who fended off two tackles to run 50 metres and score out wide.
The Jillaroos took a 36-0 lead to the break before Quinn’s fellow debutants all crossed for their first four pointers for Australia as tries to Davis-Welsh, Ward and O’Mealey had Australia out to a 52-0 advantage.
But the Moana refused to give up, with centre Chantelle Inangaro Schofield scoring in the final five minutes to get the Cook Islands on the board.
Moran, who opened the scoring, then finished it with a late try to seal the 54-point victory.
Australia back up for their second pool game when they take on England on Sunday while the Cook Islands meet New Zealand.
Jillaroos captain Steph Hancock was delighted for the four debutants and said her side would take plenty out of the victory.
“To captain that team out there today against the Cook Islands and have [them all score] you wouldn’t dream of it and that’s made me the happiest person in the room,” she said.
“I think it just gives the whole squad confidence that you’ve got all the debutants scoring tries. I’m so proud of the girls that have really got a point to prove this tournament.”
Leader Scoreboard
Australia Jillaroos 58 (Caitlin Moran two, Brittany Breayley, Karina Brown, Ali Brigginshaw, Vanessa Foliaki, Talesha Quinn, Isabelle Kelly, Nakia Davis-Welsh, Meg Ward, Lavina O’Mealey tries. Caitlin Moran three, Maddie Studdon four goals) defeated Cook Islands 4 (Chantelle Inangaro Schofield try) at Southern Cross Group Stadium.
