Chapman scores six as Australia overwhelm Wales in record World Cup win

Jaime Chapman scored six tries as Australia overwhelmed Wales 124–6 in Sydney to record the biggest victory in Women’s Rugby League World Cup history.

The defending champions crossed 21 times at CommBank Stadium, with Jess Sergis adding four tries and Jesse Southwell contributing 44 points through a try and 20 conversions.

Wales trailed 60–0 at half-time but had a moment to celebrate when Paige Travis gathered Tayla Preston’s kick to score their only try. Preston converted as Wales became the first team to breach Australia’s defence at this tournament.

The defeat ended Wales’ first World Cup campaign, while Australia completed the group stage with three wins from three ahead of the semi-finals.

Australia vs Wales: Chapman leads the scoring

Wales competed through the opening exchanges before Olivia Kernick scored Australia’s first try in the sixth minute.

Chapman then struck twice down the left to help establish an 18–0 lead inside the opening 10 minutes. Abbi Church and Southwell also crossed as the Jillaroos moved 30 points clear midway through the first half.

Australia continued to find space, with Chapman completing her hat-trick before the interval. Ten tries, all converted by Southwell, gave the hosts a 60–0 half-time advantage.

There was no let-up after the restart. Keilee Joseph scored twice from the bench, while Tamika Upton also finished with a double. Church added a second try and Sergis took her tally to four.

Chapman finished with six, equalling the individual World Cup record, as Australia surpassed their previous tournament-best victory of 92–0 against France in 2022.

The official tournament report details Australia’s record win and Chapman’s six-try performance.

Travis gives Wales a moment to celebrate

Wales were 100–0 behind when Travis chased Preston’s kick and touched down, prompting celebrations from the Welsh players.

It was a rare opportunity in a match dominated by Australia, but it ended the hosts’ run without conceding at this World Cup. The Jillaroos had scored 118 unanswered points across their opening two fixtures.

Travis had also scored Wales’ try in their opening defeat by England. Her effort against Australia provided another landmark in a difficult first appearance at the tournament.

Wales had already been eliminated before Sunday’s game, following a 70–6 defeat by England and a 76–0 loss to Samoa.

Australia added further tries after the Welsh score to complete the victory. Southwell finished with 20 successful conversions from 21 attempts.

Australia vs Wales: Match facts

Result	Australia 124–6 Wales
Half-time	Australia 60–0 Wales
Date	Sunday 1 November 2026
Venue	CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Competition	Women’s Rugby League World Cup
Referee	Kasey Badger

Australia tries: Jaime Chapman 6, Jess Sergis 4, Keilee Joseph 2, Tamika Upton 2, Abbi Church 2, Kezie Apps, Sariah Paki, Keeley Nizza, Olivia Kernick, Jesse Southwell.

Australia goals: Jesse Southwell 20.

Wales try: Paige Travis. Goal: Tayla Preston.

The full scoring breakdown is available in League Unlimited’s match record.

What happens next?

Australia progress to the semi-finals as they pursue a fourth successive title. Wales leave the tournament after three group-stage defeats.

Sunday’s programme in Sydney also includes the final men’s group fixtures. Our men’s World Cup semi-finals guide has the knockout schedule, venues and UK kick-off times.