Australia reach World Cup final after Fiji scare

Australia have reached their fifth successive Women's Rugby League World Cup final as they seek a fourth consecutive title – but they were made to work harder than anyone expected. Abbi Church (left) scored a hat-trick against Fiji – she now has seven tries in four 2026 World Cup matches They had breezed through the group stages and there looked to be little to stop the procession. But World Cup debutants Fiji had other ideas. For 40 minutes, one of the biggest surprises in the history of rugby league looked eminently possible. Order was eventually restored, thanks largely to four tries from Abbi Church, which set Australia on their way to a 30-14 victory.

They will face old rivals New Zealand in the final next Sunday in Brisbane, kicking off at 05:10 GMT. But having given New Zealand a scare in their opening match before losing 18-12, Fiji came out at Sydney Football Stadium fully intent to unsettle and confront the red-hot tournament favourites. In doing so, they became the first side since New Zealand in the 2013 World Cup final to open the scoring in a game against Australia, who trailed for the first time at this tournament. The tournament debutants put pressure on the Australia line from the start. Soon the entire Aussie team caught the bug with