Australia beat Fiji to reach fifth straight World Cup final

Shock lead before recovery

Fiji opened the scoring eight minutes into the match after Simaima Taufa conceded a penalty under the posts. Captain Sereana Naitokatoka stole the ball from Jaime Chapman ten metres from the line to drive through for Luisa Yaranamua. She converted the try to give Fiji an 8-0 lead which stood until half-time when Australia equalised at 8-8. Jocelyn Kelleher missed two conversions during the first period but tipped a grubber kick behind to keep the deficit narrow.

Church dominates second half

Abbi Church scored her first try in the final ten minutes of the opening half before Tamika Upton slipped through the defence for the second. Australia took full control in the second period as Church completed a treble with a brilliant catch from Tarryn Aiken. Jaime Chapman also grounded the ball after diving over while Kelleher successfully converted both tries to extend the lead.

Late try and final score

Maria Paseka provided a deserved flourish for Fiji with a late try that kept the visitors in the contest. After gathering Losana Lutu's kick near her own boundary, Church sprinted away to register her fourth try for the night. The victory sets up a clash with New Zealand next Sunday in Brisbane where Australia seek their fourth consecutive title.