Rugby League: Kiwi Ferns face onslaught

By GORDON GILLAN

Kiwi Ferns coach Lawrence Brydon is taking nothing for granted ahead of his side's second World Cup game, against Tokelau at Albany this afternoon.

The New Zealanders opened their campaign with a convincing 64-0 victory over the Cook Islands in difficult weather at North Harbour Stadium on Sunday.

"We played well, but made more errors than we expected," Brydon said. "Tokelau are a big and physical side, so it is important we use the ball and avoid too many confrontations with them."

Tokelau scored four tries in their 30-16 loss to the Cook Islands on Tuesday, and Brydon is aware that they are capable of raising their game against the Kiwi Ferns.

Luisa Avaiki will captain New Zealand, and Brydon hopes for another strong game from Nadene Conlon, who topped the tackle count with 19 in Sunday's game.

Avaiki likes the new nine-team cup format introduced after New Zealand's victory in the inaugural world series, in 2000.

"It is a huge improvement and more exciting having more nations involved. It is also good to have it in Auckland so our families can watch us play in a World Cup," she said.

The New Zealand Maori have also started the tournament well with a close 28-24 defeat by Australia and a 44-0 victory over Niue.

After today's games, the top six teams will move into two pools of three, with the top two in each pool then advancing to the semifinals.

Kiwi Ferns: Kally Leota (Auckland), Fuarosa Time (Wellington), Selene Te Amo (Wellington), Tessa Te Kahu (Canterbury), Marion Heather (Auckland), Awhina Te Hiko (Bay of Plenty), Laura Mariu (Auckland), Saria Sue (Auckland), Mary-Anne Hemara (Auckland), Dawn Patelesio (Wellington), Luisa Avaiki (Auckland), Karen Dougall (Wellington), Mere Baker (Canterbury).

Interchange: Trish Hina (Wellington), Nadene Conlon (Auckland), Lorina Buckley (Auckland), Annabelle Hohepa (Auckland).

Venue: Marist rugby grounds adjacent to North Harbour Stadium. Kickoff: 2pm.