World Cup 9s Day One round-up

England’s men and women’s teams are both top of their World Cup 9s groups after convincing 25-4 wins over Wales and Papua New Guinea respectively.

A Jake Connor double and a masterclass from Sam Tomkins ensured Wayne Bennett’s side got their campaign off to a winning start.

Castleford’s Rhiannon Marshall also grabbed a brace as the England Women overcame an aggressive PNG side.

The day’s surprise result came as Cook Islands thrashed Tonga 30-7. The Tongan side included superstars Jason Taumalolo and Tevita Pangai Jnr, but they were stunned by a Kukis side led by Warrington-bound centre and self-proclaimed ‘Man of the People’ Anthony Gelling.

The day’s main clash, between Australia and New Zealand went the way of the Kangaroos, with Mal Meninga’s side showing impressive form to beat the Kiwis 25-12.

World Cup 9s Day One results:

Lebanon 12-8 France

England Women 25-4 Papua New Guinea Women

England 25-4 Wales

Tonga 7-30 Cook Islands

Samoa 32-17 Fiji

Australia Women 22-8 New Zealand Women

Australia 25-12 New Zealand

Papua New Guinea 27-10 USA

World Cup 9s Standings after Day One:

Pool A

Position	Team	Played	Wins	Losses	Draws	For	Against	Difference	Points
1	PNG	1	1	0	0	27	10	17	2
2	Australia	1	1	0	0	25	12	13	2
3	New Zealand	1	0	1	0	12	25	-13	0
4	USA	1	0	1	0	10	27	-17	0

Pool B

Position	Team	Played	Wins	Losses	Draws	For	Against	Difference	Points
1	England	1	1	0	0	25	4	21	2
2	Lebanon	1	1	0	0	12	8	4	2
3	France	1	0	1	0	8	12	-4	0
4	Wales	1	0	1	0	4	25	-21	0

Pool C