Women's RL WC History 2013-21

In part two of the women's World Cup history, we look at three more tournaments. You may want to look at 2000-08 edition first, which can be viewed by clicking here.

2013: Host - England. Winner Australia

After two larger tournaments, the format went to just four sides. NZ had won the first three titles but this time not so.

Each side played each other once in the group stage, with NZ coming out on top. The two sides propping up the table played off for 3rd and 4th. while the top two went into the final. Australia upset the Kiwi Ferns, the latter losing their first ever World Cup contest. 

2017: Host - Australia. Winner Australia

There were six sides in the 2017 edition, France was not here but the Cook Is, Canada and PNG were added. 

Group Stage: Australia easily won its group, with England progressing on a superior points differential. New Zealand were even more convincing in their group with the Ravens and Orchids. 

Semi Final/Final: England was no match for the Kiwi side and the same was true for Canada against Australia. The Final was close but Australia won their second World Cup.

2021: Host - England. Winner Australia

An additional two nations were included, with France making a return and Brazil in their first WC. Brazil had only played one international before, their qualifying victory over Argentina. Would a Pacific nation been a more sound choice?

Group Stage: England won its undeniably weaker group, with only PNG giving it any sort of challenge. Brazil showed how much it progressed through the tournament with a narrow, last minute loss to Canada. 

Australia got through top of its group, courtesy of a two point victory over arch rivals the Kiwi Ferns. The Cook Islands and France no match for the two strongest teams. 

Semi Final/Final: With short turn arounds between games another issue to be managed carefully. The finalists would have to address that as best they could. PNG are a solid side but were completely outplayed by the reigning champions. NZ had the tougher assignment but overcame a plucky Lionesses side. 

The depth Australia had in its squad and less strenuous semi allowed them to rotate the players more so had the Jillaroos hitting the final with freshness. The Kiwi Ferns had played their best side to get past England so they looked tired from the outset of the final. After a narrow 10-8 margin between the sides, a 54-4 drubbing in the final was not anticipated. 

For a round by round summary of the 2021 tournament, simply click the following labels: 

round 1; round 2, round 3, semifinals/final.