Cook Islands tame Tongans at World Cup Nines

The Cook Islands have caused an upset on the the opening day of Rugby League's World Cup Nines tournament, beating Tonga Invitational 30-7 yesterday in Sydney.

Kayal Iro, son of Kiwis great Kevin Iro, ran in two of the Cooks' six tries; the Tongans only cut the chalk once.

Earlier, the Papua New Guinea men's team defeated the USA, 27-10.

Junior Vavai scored the opening try for the US before the former Hunters players Watson Boas, Edene Gebbie and Stargroth Amean ran in three of PNG's six tries.

Meanwhile, Samoa were too good for Fiji, winning 32-17.

Brian To'o scored two of Samoa's six tries; Fiji ran in three.

Today in Sydney, Samoa take on the Cooks, Tonga meet Fiji and PNG face New Zealand.

In the women's competition, the PNG Orchids were beaten by England, 25-4.

Ua Ravu scored the Orchids' only try as England notched five.

Today the Orchids have two matches against New Zealand and Australia.