Howard was carried to the bench by the Australian team doctor and physiotherapist and will be monitored over night

Cook Islands looked shell shocked in the first quarter as Australia piled on the goals to take a 12-0 lead seven minutes into the game.

Australia dominated the play by opening up the spaces, moving the ball with great speed and having vision down court. Captain Madison Browne and Shae Bolton were far too strong for their opponents driving through the mid court and peppering the goalers with passes.

Australia leading by 21 goals at the first change.

The Cook Islands picked up their game in the second quarter and stalled the Aussies flow. The half time score was 43-11.

The Aussie team settled in the third quarter with Tegan Caldwell doing a power of work in the attack end to combine beautifully with Croft and attackers Scherian and Tairi who came on at half time.

Coach Simone McKinnis was pleased with the start but thought the play was patchy throughout.

"I was pleased that the team finished strongly, were still chasing balls down, backing each other up and pushing to the end," said McKinnis.

In the stands watching was Australian Diamonds Coach Norma Plummer along with Melbourne Vixens Coach Julie Hoornweg and NSW Swifts Coach Julie Fitzgerald.

All in attendence were impressed by the intensity of this young Aussie team and in particular remarked on their speed and accuracy.

A final score of 86-17 put Australia into a semi-final show down with England who defeated South Africa in their quarter final.

In the other semi-final New Zealand will take on Jamaica after defeating Malawi and Northern Ireland respectively.