Cook Islands celebrate stunning WRLWC upset with war dance

The Cook Islands' Women's Rugby League World Cup team have celebrated their incredible 22-16 upset victory over England with an epic war dance.

Te Amohaere Ngata-Aerengamate dived over with less than a minute remaining at Southern Cross Group Stadium, as the Cooks claimed their first win at a World Cup.

The Cooks were massive $18 outsiders before the game and sent shockwaves through the English camp ahead of their semi-final appearance.

After the Cook Islands led 16-0 at halftime, the Lionesses drew level with four minutes remaining. Kayleigh Bulman tip-toed down the sideline but Claire Garner's sideline conversion fell short.

However, the Cooks found something in reserve with Inangaro Maraeara making a break from inside her own half before Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate popped a beautiful ball close to the line for Ngata-Aerengamate's try.

Despite the win, and finishing the pool stage equal with England on one win apiece, the Cook Islands failed to make the semi-finals.

The English scraped through because of their superior for-and-against, with the Cooks made to pay for two heavy losses in the opening rounds.

The Cooks were given no chance after being flogged 58-4 by Australia and 76-0 by New Zealand in their opening two pool matches.