2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup: Australia Reach Final After Fiji’s Scare
Fiji Startle Australia
Fiji, making their World Cup debut, opened the scoring against Australia. It was the first time at this tournament Australia had trailed, and the first time since New Zealand in the 2013 final that an opponent had scored first against them.
Fiji chose to kick for two points, then scored a try four minutes later. Their performance made a major upset seem possible during the first half.
Australia Draw Level
Australia also avoided falling behind when Upton tipped a Fiji grubber kick behind. The passage kept Fiji from taking a lead into the break.
Church Leads The Way
Abbi Church completed a hat-trick, with one try coming from a high Tarryn Aiken kick into the corner. Church caught the ball and grounded it while moving at full speed.
Chapman also dived over for a try. Church then scored again after gathering Losana Lutu’s kick about 30 metres from her own line and running clear.
Final Against New Zealand
The victory sends Australia to a fifth straight Women’s Rugby League World Cup final as they pursue a fourth consecutive title. Their opponents will be old rivals New Zealand. The final is scheduled for next Sunday in Brisbane, with kick-off at 05:10 GMT.
Key points
- Australia reached their fifth successive Women’s Rugby League World Cup final.
- Fiji led first and held Australia level at half-time.
- Abbi Church scored four tries against Fiji.
- Australia will face New Zealand in Brisbane next Sunday.