Jaime Chapman hat-trick leads Australia to fourth straight Women’s Rugby League World Cup

Jaime Chapman scored a first-half hat-trick as Australia beat New Zealand 34-10 to win their fourth successive Women’s Rugby League World Cup at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.

The Jillaroos scored all their points before half-time, building a 34-6 lead that left the Kiwi Ferns with too much to recover in Brisbane.

Shaylee Bent, Jessica Sergis and Tamika Upton also crossed for Australia, while Jesse Southwell kicked five conversions. The victory extends a winning sequence that began with their first title in 2013.

Jaime Chapman takes control of the World Cup final

Australia wasted little time establishing their authority. Chapman scored the opening try before Bent went through a gap close to the line to help put the hosts 12-0 ahead.

Chapman added her second with an acrobatic finish in the corner. Sergis then broke clear to score as Australia stretched their advantage to 24-0.

New Zealand responded through Shannon Mato, but the Jillaroos quickly regained control. Chapman completed her hat-trick before Upton finished a move involving Abbi Church to leave Australia 28 points clear at the interval.

Chapman’s three tries took her tournament total to 13, equalling the record for a single men’s or women’s World Cup campaign, according to SBS’s report on her final performance.

New Zealand improve after the break

The second half was a different contest. Australia could not add to their score as errors disrupted their attacking rhythm in the humid conditions.

New Zealand kept the champions out throughout the half, but the damage had already been done. Mackenzie Wiki scored their second try late on, reducing the deficit without threatening the outcome.

The official World Cup match centre records six Australian tries to New Zealand’s two, with Southwell’s five conversions completing the Jillaroos’ scoring.

Australia extend their World Cup dominance

This was Australia’s fourth consecutive title, following victories in 2013, 2017 and the delayed 2021 tournament, played in 2022.

New Zealand had won the first three editions of the competition. Australia have now moved ahead of them with four titles, underlining how firmly the balance has shifted.

The Jillaroos reached Sunday’s final after beating Fiji 30-14 in the last four. Against New Zealand, their first-half finishing removed much of the uncertainty long before the final whistle.

Our Women’s Rugby League World Cup final guide covered the build-up to the Brisbane decider.

Australia 34-10 New Zealand: scorers

Australia: Tries: Jaime Chapman (3), Shaylee Bent, Jessica Sergis, Tamika Upton. Conversions: Jesse Southwell (5).

New Zealand: Tries: Shannon Mato, Mackenzie Wiki. Conversion: Chanty Kiria-Ratu.

Half-time: Australia 34-6 New Zealand.