By Megan Armitage at the LNER Community Stadium

Brad Donald insists Australia’s defensive solidity was a greater source of satisfaction than his team’s ‘clinical’ haul of points after a record-breaking 92-0 win over France at the Women’s Rugby League World Cup.

Player of the match Tarryn Aiken controlled a dominant performance that featured a staggering 17 tries in York, including four from NRLW star Jess Sergis. 

The Jillaroos cruised into the semi-finals with their win but will face their toughest test yet in a round three battle with New Zealand.

Donald hailed his side's attacking exploits but admits keeping it tight in defence functioned as the greatest positive as they bid to defend their 2017 title.

Welcome to the Rugby League World Cup, Jessica Sergis!

4 tries and 2 more assists.

And plenty more to come...#RLWC2021 #AUSFRA | @bbcsport @ausjillaroos pic.twitter.com/AffqlkggVS
— Rugby League World Cup 2021 (@RLWC2021) November 6, 2022

He said: "It was a really clinical performance from us and I'm really proud of the girls for that. 

“We've worked really hard and everything we do on and off the field is selfless, we've learnt a lot about ourselves this competition.

"I'm happier with the zero on the other side than our big score because our focus was our defence and showing up for each other.

"Tarryn is great because one of the things we asked her to do was control the game and she really stepped up and did that throughout.

"We haven't really got a best side; you could pick anyone from the 24 and they will give you a great performance so we're in a really good place in terms of what team we roll out to the Kiwis.

"That will definitely be a different game and there are a couple of things we can work on but if we make sure we're on our game defensively then hopefully we can see improvement next week as well."

France head coach Vincent Baloup remained defiant in defeat, admitting that he was still impressed with his players for showing their resilience in a tough second half.

The Frenchman revealed that he asked his players to enjoy themselves in the final 40 minutes, which led to an injection of energy into their defence.

But the loss now leaves Les Chanticleers short of qualifying for the semi-finals, with only the Cook Islands left to try and record a win.

"To be perfectly honest, I feel better at full-time than I did at half time," he said.

Mega.

A record women’s Rugby League World Cup score for the Jillaroos as they beat France in York.#RLWC2021 #AUSFRA | @AusJillaroos @FFRXIII pic.twitter.com/QttAGkxwbM
— Rugby League World Cup 2021 (@RLWC2021) November 6, 2022

"In the second half we really dug deep and showed courage to fight for each other and much more like us French girls 

"I told them that I was expecting a reaction in that second half and not to drop their heads or drag themselves down into a negative spiral.

"They needed to show guts for each other, and that rising intensity came through better discipline and trying to have a bit of fun.

"It was a tough evening, but we wanted to feel what it was like to play at that level.

“That second half was some of the best prep that team could have had ahead of the Cook Islands."  

The Rugby League World Cup promises to be the biggest, best and most inclusive event in the sport’s 127-year history with men’s, women’s and wheelchair teams competing in 61 games across 21 venues throughout England. Tickets are available via rlwc2021.com/tickets