In a decisive showdown at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, the Australian Jillaroos clinched their fourth straight Women’s Rugby League World Cup title, defeating New Zealand’s Kiwi Ferns 34‑10. The match, held on a humid afternoon that mirrored the region’s “build‑up” weather, saw Australia dominate from the first whistle.
Jaime Chapman’s Hat‑Trick Sets the Tone
Star winger Jaime Chapman opened the scoring in the second minute, a swift break that left the Kiwi defence scrambling. She followed up with two more tries before the break, bringing her tournament tally to 13 and setting a new record for individual tries in a World Cup. Chapman’s performance, highlighted by her speed and agility, was a key factor in Australia’s early lead.
Australia’s Early Lead Grows
By the 20th minute, the Jillaroos had already scored 24 points, with the scoreline reading 24‑0. The Kiwi Ferns struggled to find rhythm, committing several errors that Australia capitalised on. The Australian side’s relentless pressure and efficient execution left New Zealand unable to mount a comeback.
New Zealand’s Challenges
New Zealand entered the final as underdogs, having not beaten Australia in three years. Despite a strong semi‑final win over Samoa, the Kiwi Ferns were unable to translate that momentum into the final. Their defence faltered early, and they were unable to counter the Jillaroos’ speed and power.
Coaching Decisions and Tactical Adjustments
Australia’s coach Jess Skinner made a bold move before the match, replacing gun half Jocelyn Kelleher with 21‑year‑old Jesse Southwell. The change appeared to pay off, as the Jillaroos maintained a high tempo and controlled the game’s pace.
Historical Context
Australia’s victory extends their dominance in the Women’s Rugby League World Cup, with the Jillaroos now holding four consecutive titles. The last time the Kiwi Ferns won a World Cup final was in 2008, when they defeated Australia 34‑0 at the same venue.
With the win, Australia solidifies its position as the premier force in women’s rugby league, while New Zealand will look to regroup and rebuild for future competitions.
Source: The Guardian World
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Editorial note: This is an original news report prepared from the attributed source material with AI assistance. It is not a reproduction or translation of the original article.
