ENGLAND Women emulated the achievement of the men's team by reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup – despite a surprise 22-16 defeat by Cook Islands.

Five Bradford Bulls players were in the starting line-up at the Southern Cross Group Stadium in Sydney but they could not relive their victory against Papua New Guinea.

England came from 16-0 down at half-time in their final group match to level the scores, with Amy Hardcastle scoring a try and Bulls clubmate Claire Garner kicking two goals.

Emma Slowe touched down first, with Garner converting, and Hardcastle then took advantage of some clumsy defending to burst through the scrum and add England's second try.

Another effort was ruled out by the video referee just before Kayleigh Bulman got England's third, again converted by Garner.

But they then conceded a last-minute try to Te Amohaere Ngata-Aerengamate as Cook Islands reacted well to thrashings by Australia and New Zealand in their previous group matches.

England qualified for the last four on points difference and will next play New Zealand on Sunday for a place in the final on Saturday, December 2, which is part of a double-header with the men's showpiece.