Bremner returns in full flight for Jillaroos
WELCOME back Sam Bremner. Four years after her last Test for the Jillaroos, Bremner heralded her return to a green and gold jersey by helping herself to four tries as Australia opened its women’s World Cup campaign with a 74-0 thrashing of Cook Islands.
The Jillaroos eviscerated their island neighbours. The writing was on the wall from the opening kick-off as a Cook Islands mistake allowed the ball to go dead.
It was the beginning of the end as the Jillaroos provided the perfect riposte to the performances of international heavyweights England and New Zealand in the opening round of the women’s World Cup.
A day after England wiped the floor with Brazil, and only hours after the Kiwis laid down a marker, Australia responded with an emphatic 14 tries.
Bremner, making her return after the birth of her second child, was the star of the show while Olympic Games gold medallist Evania Pelite scored a hat-trick as the Jillaroos ran rampant.
Five-eighth Tarryn Aitken and winger Julia Robinson also grabbed a brace.
It was time to savour a performance that sent a warning to the other big guns for the remainder of the tournament.
“I am so proud,” Bremner said. “I feel so privileged to have played with those girls – they are the best girls in Australia in their position. I just had to take a moment out there at one stage to take a look around.
“We’re so proud to represent our country and we don’t take it lightly.
“So we definitely ensure we are in good shape when we come to the World Cup because we definitely want to retain it.”