ROBBO NICKS IT FOR ROOS

ENGLAND women will play New Zealand in the World Cup semi-finals after Australia beat their southern hemisphere rivals to top Group B.

The Jillaroos were pushed to the limit, with Julia Robinson’s secondhalf try securing victory.

Australia take on Papua New Guinea in the first part of Monday’s doubleheader at the Community Stadium in York.

Tarryn Aiken (above) jinked over to open the scoring for Australia last night. Ali Brigginshaw’s conversion made it 6-0, but New Zealand stayed in the game and ended the tournament favourites’ run of 172 unanswered points on the half-hour when Apii Nicholls got on the end of Raecene McGregor’s kick.

Fifteen minutes into the second half AutumnRain Stephens-Daly’s try in the corner put New Zealand 8-6 up. But they were unable to hold on.