Australia (8) 30
Tries: Church 4, Upton, Chapman Objectives: Kelleher 3
Fiji (8) 14
Tries: Yaranamua, Paseka Objectives: Yaranamua 3
Australia have reached their fifth successive Girls’s Rugby League World Cup last as they search a fourth consecutive title – however they have been made to work more durable than anybody anticipated.
They’d breezed by way of the group phases and there little to cease the procession.
However World Cup debutants Fiji had different concepts. For 40 minutes, one of many largest surprises within the historical past of rugby league appeared eminently doable.
Order was ultimately restored, thanks largely to 4 tries from Abbi Church, which set Australia on their option to a 30-14 victory.
They are going to face outdated rivals New Zealand within the last subsequent Sunday in Brisbane, kicking off at 05:10 GMT.
However having given New Zealand a scare of their opening match earlier than shedding 18-12, Fiji got here out at Sydney Soccer Stadium absolutely intent to unsettle and confront the red-hot match favourites.
In doing so, they turned the primary facet since New Zealand within the 2013 World Cup last to open the scoring in a sport towards Australia, who trailed for the primary time at this match.
The match debutants put stress on the Australia line from the beginning. Quickly your complete Aussie crew caught the bug with easy drops and brainless errors, and after 12 minutes Simaima Taufa conceded a penalty beneath the posts.
Fiji opted to kick for 2 factors. 4 minutes later, they went all the best way.
Captain Sereana Naitokatoka stole the ball from Jaime Chapman 10 metres from the Australia line, they usually drove by way of the defence for half-back Luisa Yaranamua to attain. She additionally transformed to present Fiji an astonishing 8-0 lead.
Ultimately Australia sparked into life, and two tries within the last 10 minutes of the opening half introduced them degree.
Church drove over in the precise nook, earlier than Tamika Upton slipped by way of the defence as Australia returned stress following a Fiji drop-out.
However Jocelyn Kelleher missed twice from the tee to permit Fiji in at half-time degree. Had Upton not brilliantly tipped a Fiji grubber behind, Australia would have trailed.
No matter coach Jess Skinner stated within the altering room woke Australia up, they usually took management.
Church accomplished her treble – the third an excellent catch from a booming Tarryn Aiken kick to the nook and earlier than grounding the ball at full tilt – both facet of Chapman diving over.
Regular service resumed. However eventually, the Jillaroos have been proved fallible – with a late Maria Paseka strive offering a deserved flourish for fearless Fiji.
Church, although, had the final phrase for Australia – amassing Losana Lutu’s kick round 30 metres from her personal line earlier than racing clear to attain.
