In a decisive match held in Brisbane, the Australian Jillaroos defeated the New Zealand Kiwi Ferns 34-10 to claim their fourth straight Women’s Rugby League World Cup championship. The game was dominated early by Australia, who scored two tries within the first five minutes and added four more before the break, leaving the Kiwi Ferns trailing 34-6 at halftime.
Winger Jaime Chapman was the standout performer, netting a hat‑trick that accounted for a third of Australia’s points. Her first try came after a knock‑on near the New Zealand try line, and she followed with a spectacular break that saw her dive over in the corner. Chapman’s second and third tries were both the result of powerful runs that broke through multiple tackles.
Australia’s early dominance was complemented by contributions from Shaylee Bent, who added a converted try, and Jessica Sergis, who delivered a solo effort that stretched the lead further. Tamika Upton also scored, bringing the tally to six before the interval.
Despite the early setback, the Kiwi Ferns managed to score a single try in the second half, with Mackenzie Wiki crossing in the dying seconds. However, the effort was insufficient to close the gap, and Australia maintained control throughout the match.
Captain Isabelle Kelly, now a three‑time World Cup champion, expressed gratitude towards the Kiwi Ferns, noting the long‑standing rivalry and mutual respect between the teams. She praised her teammates and described the victory as a dream come true.
New Zealand’s skipper Raecene McGregor acknowledged the loss but remained optimistic, stating that the best of the Kiwi Ferns has yet to be shown and that they will continue to strive for dominance in future competitions.
Source: Al Jazeera
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