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Jillaroos open World Cup campaign with dominant display

The Australian Jillaroos have kicked off their Women's World Cup campaign in thrilling fashion, defeating Cook Islands 58-4 at Southern Cross Group Stadium.

The Jillaroos certainly shared the scoring around in the 11 tries to one victory, with most of the team scoring a try.

Caitlyn Moran, Brittany Breayley, Karina Brown, Ali Brigginshaw, Vanessa Foliaki, Talesha Quinn, Isabelle Kelly, Nakia, Davis-Welsh, Meg Ward, Lavina O'Mealey were all among the Australian tries.

The crowd erupted in the 73rd minute when the Cook Islands finally crossed the stripe through Chantelle Inangaro Schofield.

This team effort, finished by Talesha Quinn was probably the best of a number of awesome Jillaroos tries.

There was a brutal moment early in the second half when Jillaroos star Lavina O'Mealey dished out a dangerous high tackle.

The Cook Islands kicked off proceedings with a stirring cultural challenge to the Jillaroos.

Earlier, New Zealand kicked off their World Cup campaign with a thumping 50-4 victory over Canada.

The Kiwis pulled off a number of huge hits in the one-sided encounter, mostly through star back-rower Teuila Fotu-Moala, who also crossed for a double.

Unfortunately the match started on a slightly awkward note after an anthem gaffe.