Abbi Church scores four tries as Australia beat Fiji to reach World Cup final

Abbi Church scores four tries as Australia overcomes Fiji 30-14 in World Cup semi-final

According to The Guardian, Australia secured a place in the Women’s Rugby League World Cup final against New Zealand at Lang Park after surviving an almighty scare from Fiji, defeating the Bulikula 30-14 on Sunday. Yahoo Sports UK reported that Abbi Church powered the Jillaroos with four tries, helping the team rally from a shaky first-half in chilly Sydney.

Driven by 23-year-old playmaker Luisa Yaranamua, who plays in the second tier in Sydney for South Sydney and has yet to appear in an NRLW match, Fiji stunned the tournament favorites early. Yaranamua slotted an 11th-minute penalty goal after an illegal strip, marking the first time since the 2013 World Cup final that the Jillaroos had not scored first in a World Cup match. Yaranamua then threw a dummy before barging over the line and converting her own try to stretch Fiji’s lead to 8-0.

Jillaroos respond before half-time deadlock

Australia answered with two tries in a four-minute span. Church crossed in the corner following a simple spread right, and Tamika Upton exploited a gap to slide through and level the scores at 8-8 by the interval, though both conversions were missed.

Abbi Church scores four tries as Australia beat Fiji to reach World Cup final — Photo: uk.sports.yahoo.com

Australia captain Isabelle Kelly reflected on the challenging contest, stating, We were always so excited to come up against Fiji, we knew it would be a really good test for us. Kelly added, But we know we need to be a lot better if we want to take home that trophy next week. So go back to Brisbane and I guess reflect on where we can be.

Second-half surge sets up final against New Zealand

The Jillaroos asserted control after the break. Church added her second try with a darting run, and Jaime Chapman scored before being forced off with a quad injury. Jocelyn Kelleher converted both scores to establish a 20-8 advantage.

RLWC 2026 | Australia v Fiji | Match Highlights | Semi Final

Church subsequently collected a high kick from Tarryn Aiken to complete her hat-trick and sealed the outcome with a weaving long-distance run late in the match. Maria Paseka scored a late consolation try for Fiji following a blindside raid orchestrated by Yaranamua.

New Zealand advanced to the November 15 decider in Brisbane after defeating Samoa 32-0 in Newcastle on Saturday. The tournament final will mark the fifth final in a row between Australia and New Zealand.

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