19 October 2019

New Zealand beat Australia to win the first World Cup Nines title

New Zealand have narrowly beaten Australia 17-15 in the final of the World Cup Nines.

Both sides scored three tries each at the Bankwest Stadium in Sydney. The only difference between the two was one conversion.

The Aussies were leading at half time 8-7 but they could not hold on to claim victory.

Australia's Ali Brigginshaw, NewsChain's player to watch, said post match: "We are proud of our efforts despite the loss."

In the group stages of the inaugural tournament the Aussies beat every single team. The hosts beat New Zealand on Friday 22-8. 

Earlier in the day, before the final, the Jillaroos demolished England 42-4 and the hosts saw off Papua New Guinea (PNG) 30-6.

England also lost to winners New Zealand 33-4.

England's Emily Rudge said: "I'm really proud of the girls, we put a shift in. We have come here and given it our all. We'll go away happy with some of the things we've done."

PNG's closest score was against New Zealand but they could not win. The winners beat PNG 24-12. PNG did not win a single match at the two-day tournament.

The performances at the competition was not the star of the show though. The players were paid for the first time ever. They received 2,000 Australian dollars each.

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