Australia reach fifth straight women’s rugby league World Cup final

Australia reached their fifth consecutive Women’s Rugby League World Cup final after overcoming a determined Fiji side 30-14 in Sydney, with Abbi Church scoring four tries.

The Jillaroos will meet New Zealand in Brisbane next Sunday as they seek a fourth successive title. Fiji, making their World Cup debut, led 8-0 and kept Australia level at half-time before the defending champions took control after the break.

Luisa Yaranamua opened the scoring for Fiji after captain Sereana Naitokatoka stripped the ball from Jaime Chapman near Australia’s line. Yaranamua converted her try to give Fiji an early lead; she had also kicked a penalty for two points.

Church and Tamika Upton scored late in the first half to bring Australia level, though Jocelyn Kelleher missed both conversions. Fiji threatened again before the break, but Upton stopped a grubber kick from reaching the in-goal area.

Church completed her hat-trick after half-time, and Chapman added another try as Australia pulled clear. Maria Paseka scored late for Fiji, but Church had the final try, running on to Losana Lutu’s kick from around 30 metres out.

Australia had not trailed at the tournament before Fiji scored. Church’s four tries take her tally to seven in four matches. The final against New Zealand kicks off at 05:10 GMT.