Australia have advanced to their fifth consecutive Women's Rugby League World Cup final, but their path to a fourth straight title was nearly derailed by a determined Fiji side in a thrilling semi-final at Sydney Football Stadium. The Jillaroos eventually prevailed 30-14, but not before Fiji, making their tournament debut, gave them an almighty scare.
Fiji's Fast Start Stuns Australia
Fiji came out with intent, unsettling the red-hot favourites with aggressive defence and capitalising on uncharacteristic Australian errors. In doing so, they became the first team since New Zealand in the 2013 World Cup final to score first against Australia, who trailed for the first time in the tournament. After Simaima Taufa conceded a penalty under the posts, Fiji opted to kick for two points. Four minutes later, they went all the way. Captain Sereana Naitokatoka stole the ball from Jaime Chapman 10 metres from the Australia line, and the ball was driven through the defence for half-back Luisa Yaranamua to score. She converted to give Fiji an astonishing 8-0 lead.
Australia, who had breezed through the group stages, were rattled. Simple drops and unforced errors plagued their game, and for 40 minutes, one of the biggest surprises in rugby league history looked eminently possible.
Australia Rally Before Half-Time
At last, Australia sparked into life. Two tries in the final 10 minutes of the opening half brought them level. Abbi Church drove over in the right corner, before Tamika Upton slipped through the defence following a Fiji drop-out. However, Jocelyn Kelleher missed both conversions, allowing Fiji to go into the break level. Had Upton not brilliantly tipped a Fiji grubber behind, Australia would have trailed at half-time.
Whatever coach Jess Skinner said in the changing room woke Australia up, and they took control in the second half. Church completed her hat-trick, the third a brilliant catch from a booming Tarryn Aiken kick to the corner before grounding the ball at full tilt, either side of Chapman diving over. Normal service resumed.
Church Shines with Four Tries
Abbi Church was the standout performer for Australia, scoring four tries in total. Her fourth and final try came late in the game, collecting Losana Lutu's kick around 30 metres from her own line before racing clear to score. Church now has seven tries in four World Cup matches and will be crucial in the final.
Fiji, despite the loss, provided a deserved flourish with a late try from Maria Paseka, converted by Yaranamua, who finished with three goals. Their performance will be remembered as one of the most courageous in World Cup history.
Final Showdown with New Zealand
Australia will face old rivals New Zealand in the final next Sunday in Brisbane, kicking off at 05:10 GMT. The Jillaroos will be seeking their fourth consecutive title, but they will know they cannot afford another slow start against a formidable New Zealand side. Fiji, meanwhile, have proven they belong on the big stage and will be a force to be reckoned with in future tournaments.
