Kangaroos and Jillaroos Dominate in Pacific Test Series
The Australian national rugby league teams, the Kangaroos and Jillaroos, showcased their dominance in the recent Pacific Test series, sweeping both men's and women's matches against New Zealand.
Kangaroos Roar Back to Victory
The Kangaroos, led by the experienced Cameron Munster, proved too strong for the Kiwis in a thrilling 26-12 victory at the Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland. The Australians dominated possession and territory throughout the game, with tries from Valentine Holmes, Josh Addo-Carr, and Murray Taulagi ultimately sealing the victory.
New Zealand put up a valiant fight, with Joseph Manu scoring two tries for the home side. However, the Kangaroos' defensive prowess, particularly in the second half, proved too much for the Kiwis to overcome.
Jillaroos Assert Dominance
The Jillaroos, reigning world champions, continued their reign of dominance with a resounding 34-10 win against the Kiwi Ferns.
The Australian women's team showcased their exceptional talent and skill, with Ali Brigginshaw leading the way with a dominant performance. The Jillaroos scored six tries in total, with Emma Tonegato, Zahara Temara, and Isabelle Kelly all crossing the line.
The Kiwi Ferns struggled to match the intensity of the Jillaroos, with Raecene McGregor scoring the only try for the New Zealand team.
A Statement of Intent
The emphatic victories for both the Kangaroos and Jillaroos serve as a powerful statement of intent ahead of the upcoming World Cups.
The Kangaroos will be looking to defend their title in the men's World Cup, which kicks off in October. Meanwhile, the Jillaroos will be aiming to maintain their dominance in the women's World Cup, which is set to take place in November.
The Pacific Test series was a valuable opportunity for both teams to fine-tune their game plans and assess their strengths and weaknesses before the World Cup tournaments.
With their convincing victories over New Zealand, the Kangaroos and Jillaroos have sent a clear message to their rivals: they are the teams to beat in the upcoming World Cups.