Australia reach World Cup final after narrow victory over Fiji

Australia secured a place in the World Cup final after overcoming Fiji in the semi‑final, according to the match report. The win set up a final showdown for the tournament.

The debutants applied pressure from the start and, after 12 minutes, Simaima Taufa handed Fiji a penalty under the posts. Fiji chose to attempt a conversion and, four minutes later, extended their advantage.

Captain Sereana Naitokatoka stripped the ball from Jaime Chapman about 10 metres from the Australian line, allowing half‑back Luisa Yaranamua to score and then convert, giving Fiji an 8‑0 lead.

Australia answered with two tries in the last ten minutes of the opening half to level the scores. Church crossed in the right corner and Tamika Upton broke through the defence after a Fiji drop‑out, while Jocelyn Kelleher missed two conversion attempts, leaving Fiji ahead at the break.

Coach Jess Skinner addressed the team in the dressing room, after which Australia seized control. Church completed a hat‑trick, her third try coming from a spectacular catch of a high Tarryn Aiken kick before grounding the ball, flanked by a dive from Chapman.

Normal play continued and a late try from Maria Paseka added a flourish for Fiji. Church later collected Losana Lutu’s kick about 30 metres from her own line and sprinted clear to score.

Naitokatoka expressed her delight after the match. "I'm so happy," Naitokatoka said afterwards. "What a game. It was so exciting. We just had fun, not thinking too much. Just run hard, play hard, that was our goal. Everyone came out of there happy knowing they've put their best throughout the whole 70 minutes."

Kelly praised teammate Abbi Church after the game. "I have so much respect for Abbi," Kelly said. "All year round she's incredible. Everyone thinks she's a full‑back but she could play anywhere and dominate a role. Abbi is the ultimate team‑mate. She's a quiet one but she gets about her work to make sure she can perform her best. As a team‑mate I've been so proud of her the past two years."