Aussies bring back superstars to take on Kiwi Ferns

They’ve been an unstoppable force in the opening two rounds, but the Jillaroos now face their toughest test with everything on the line.

Sam Bremner is one of several big names to return for the Jillaroos. Picture: George Wood/Getty Images

The Jillaroos have brought back the big guns for their blockbuster game against New Zealand, with top spot in Group B on the line.

Australia has racked up an incredible 166-0 for and against in their two wins over the Cook Islands and France, including a record-breaking 92-0 win over the French earlier this week.

But things are about to go up several gears against the Kiwi Ferns, who won the first three editions of the World Cup before the Aussies bounced back to beat them in the 2013 and 2017 deciders.

Tarryn Aiken has enjoyed a breakout tournament. Picture: George Wood/Getty Images for RLWC

Co-captains Sam Bremner, Kezie Apps and Ali Brigginshaw all return for the showdown, while Evania Pelite has been rested after scoring an equal-best five tries in the opening two rounds.

The Jillaroos will be hoping to see more magic from Bremner, who scored four tries in the opening game, while rookie Tarryn Aiken will again be the conductor in attack following her player of the match performance against France.

The Kiwi Ferns have conceded just one try so far and will lean on Dally M winner Raecene McGregor, who already has six try assists following on from her incredible NRLW campaign with the Roosters.

Raecene McGregor is the biggest threat. Picture: George Wood/Getty Images

“We are extremely happy with the two teams that have played the first two rounds of the World Cup,” Jillaroos coach Brad Donald said ahead of the game on Friday morning (AEDT).

“We are looking forward to the challenge of playing against the Kiwi Ferns who have been our major competition for a number of years.

“We are in good shape with all players available giving us the opportunity to rest some of the players who have already played two games, including Holli Wheeler, Evania Pelite, Taliah Fuimaono and Shenae Ciesiolka.”