Abbi Church scores four tries to help Australia recover from an early deficit and defeat Fiji 30-14 in their Women’s Rugby League World Cup semi-final in Sydney. The result sends the defending champions into a fifth consecutive final, where they will meet New Zealand in Brisbane next Sunday.
Fiji's Fast Start Stuns the Hosts
Fiji, making their first World Cup appearance, produced the shock opening when Luisa Yaranamua kicked a penalty and then crossed for a try that she converted herself, putting the debutants 8-0 ahead. It was the first time Australia had trailed at any point in the tournament, having swept through the group stage with 242 points scored and only six conceded.
The Jillaroos responded before the interval. Abbi Church went over in the 25th minute and Tamika Upton followed four minutes later to level the score at 8-8. Jocelyn Kelleher was unable to add either conversion, leaving the teams deadlocked at the break despite Fiji finishing the first half strongly.
Second-Half Surge Seals the Comeback
Australia took control after the restart. Church scored her second try in the 44th minute before Jaime Chapman crossed shortly afterwards, with Kelleher finding her range to convert both efforts. Church then completed her hat-trick by collecting a Tarryn Aiken kick and grounding the ball.
Fiji briefly threatened another twist when Maria Paseka scored a converted try in the 62nd minute to reduce the gap. But Church had the last word, scoring her fourth try with a darting run that took her past two defenders around 30 metres out before she sprinted clear to seal the result.
Yaranamua finished with a try, two conversions and a penalty for Fiji, while Kelleher added three conversions for Australia.
Fiji's Tournament Leaves a Mark
Despite the defeat, Fiji’s performance capped an impressive first World Cup campaign. The newcomers recorded group-stage victories over Papua New Guinea and France and pushed New Zealand close in an 18-12 loss. Against Australia, they showed composure and attacking intent that troubled the defending champions for long spells.
Australia, meanwhile, advance with questions to answer after a scrappy first half, but their second-half dominance and Church’s finishing proved decisive.
New Zealand Await in Brisbane
New Zealand booked their place in the final with a 32-0 win over Samoa in Saturday’s first semi-final in Newcastle. The Kiwi Ferns will now try to deny Australia a fourth consecutive World Cup title and a fifth straight final appearance.
The Jillaroos have won the last three tournaments, a run that began after New Zealand beat them 34-0 in the 2008 final in Brisbane. That history adds extra weight to next Sunday’s showdown, with Australia aiming to extend their dominance and New Zealand seeking to reclaim the trophy.
For Fiji, the tournament ends without a final place but with a statement that their first World Cup will be remembered for more than just participation.
