Women's International RL Matches : 2018

As the men's game is still short on international matches - despite many nations playing the game - it comes as no surprise that the less developed women's side of things is even leaner. However, things are moving in the right direction. So here were the Women's internationals for 2018.

24th February. Toulon, France

France 12-4 Italy

The match was marred by heavy rain and a very muddy pitch. The difficult conditions kept the score low and France led just 4-0 at halftime. They were ahead 12-0 at the end but a try on full time gave the Italian lasses something to cheer.

The two muddied sides after the game

Picture source: www.ffr13.fr

13th October. Auckland, NZ

New Zealand 24-26 Australia

Apparently, Australia has only won once in NZ, in the third test in 1999. However, the visitors took an early 12-0 lead and then the Kiwis were wrongly denied a try when a player was incorrectly judged to have touched the sideline.

The Kiwis came back and led as the clock ran down but a late try to Australia got them home. With five tries apiece, goal kicking and a crucial officiating error gave the match to the visitors.

27th October. Carcassonne, France

France 4-54 England

England hit the ground running and after a quarter of the game, led 22-0 and by the break, the lead had been extended to 26 points. The pressure was maintained by the visiting side and the hosts at least had the consolation of a late try, before England added another at the end. It wasn't a great day for conversions, with England only landing 5 from 11 tries and France missing their one opportunity.

These sides played twice in the middle of 2017, with England winning both in close encounters. This time it was a much more one-sided affair.

10th November. Carcassonne, France

France 60-0 Italy

France had learned a harsh lesson two weeks earlier and seemed the better for that. They took the game to their opponents and raced to a 32-0 halftime score. The second stanza was much the same and in the end, it was a clear victory to the French women.

25th November. Sao Paulo, Brazil

Brazil 48-0 Argentina

The Women's South American Cup was to consist of two matches between these two sides but due to unforseen circumstances only one went ahead. The winner progresses to the qualifiers for the Rugby League World Cup 2021. They will be two places for the Americas and the South American champion (Brazil) will face teams from North America next year.