Australia recovered from an early deficit to beat Fiji 30-14 in the Women’s Rugby League World Cup semi-final in Sydney. Abbi Church scored four tries for the defending champions. Fiji had led 8-0 before the teams reached half-time level, but Australia advanced to a final against New Zealand.
Australia beat Fiji 30-14 in the Women’s Rugby League World Cup semi-final at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on 8 November. The defending champions recovered from an 8-0 deficit and will face New Zealand in the final. Fiji were appearing at their first World Cup. Abbi Church scored four tries for Australia, touching the ball down beyond the opponents’ goal line each time.[1], [2]
Luisa Yaranamua opened Fiji’s scoring with a penalty goal, then added a try and converted it to establish the early 8-0 advantage. Australia responded through Church after Tarryn Aiken and Tamika Upton combined in attack. Upton then scored to bring the teams level. They went into half-time at 8-8, before Church crossed again early in the second half and Jocelyn Kelleher converted for 14-8.[1]
Jaime Chapman scored her tenth try of the tournament before Church collected Aiken’s crossfield kick for her third. Australia led 24-8. Maria Paseka replied for Fiji after a Yaranamua pass, cutting the margin to 10 points. Church then caught a high ball and ran 80 metres for her fourth try. Church ran for 205 metres in total.[1]
