Australia 30-14 Fiji: Abbi Church scores four to book New Zealand final

Abbi Church scored four tries as Australia overcame a determined Fiji side to reach the Women’s Rugby League World Cup final with a 30-14 victory in Sydney.

The defending champions trailed 8-0 and were level at half-time before pulling away at Allianz Stadium. They will face New Zealand in next Sunday’s final in Brisbane.

Fiji, playing in their first women’s World Cup, threatened a major upset before Church’s finishing helped the Jillaroos take control.

Australia 30-14 Fiji: Church leads the recovery

Luisa Yaranamua put Fiji ahead with a penalty, then scored and converted her own try as the hosts struggled to settle.

Church and Tamika Upton brought Australia back to 8-8 before the interval, but Fiji had already shown they could trouble the favourites.

Australia improved after the break. Church added her second, Jaime Chapman crossed and Church completed her hat-trick from a Tarryn Aiken kick.

Maria Paseka’s try briefly brought Fiji back within 10 points at 24-14. Church then settled the contest with a long-range run for her fourth.

The winger finished with 205 running metres, according to the NRL’s match report.

Fiji leave their mark on World Cup debut

The scoreline did not reflect how uncomfortable Fiji had made the opening half for Australia.

Yaranamua directed an ambitious attack, while the Bulikula’s physical defence contributed to an error-strewn start from the hosts. Australia had to recover their composure before their back three supplied the tries that took them through.

Church, Upton and Chapman accounted for all six Australian tries. News.com.au’s report described the performance as Australia’s closest contest of the tournament.

New Zealand await in Brisbane final

The women’s final takes place at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday 15 November, as part of a double-header with the men’s decider, the tournament organisers have confirmed.

New Zealand secured their place by beating Samoa 32-0 in Newcastle on Saturday, with Stacey Waaka scoring a hat-trick.

Australia advance with a victory, but Fiji have given them plenty to address before the final. The Jillaroos needed their finishing power to recover from an opening spell in which the underdogs dictated the contest.