Arabic version: جيلاروز تحرز لقب كأس العالم للمرة الرابعة توالياً
According to ABC News, the Jillaroos defended their Rugby League World Cup title with a 34-10 victory over New Zealand in the tournament decider at Lang Park, securing Australia’s fourth consecutive crown. The result marked the fifth straight World Cup final between the Trans-Tasman rivals.
Winger Jaime Chapman scored a hat-trick in sweltering Brisbane heat, taking her World Cup tally to 13. She opened the scoring after two minutes, breaking wide and running through the New Zealand defence before recalled kicker Jesse Southwell converted from a difficult position.
Chapman added her second try in the 14th minute with a one-handed putdown following a spectacular dive, then completed her treble with a breakaway effort. Australia’s first-half control followed a lethargic start to its semifinal win over Fiji.
The Jillaroos scored six tries before half-time. Shaylee Best, Jess Sergis and Tamika Upton also crossed, while Southwell converted all but one of the tries. Sergis scored after a breakaway, and Upton finished interplay with Abbi Church. Shannon Mato’s converted 23rd-minute try left the Kiwi Ferns trailing 34-6 at the interval.
Australia could not add to its total in an energy-sapping second half, as the conditions restricted the quality of play. New Zealand’s Mackenzie Wiki was first stopped by a try-saving tackle from Isabelle Kelly, then scored with the full-time siren nearing. The Kiwi Ferns’ 4-0 second-half result meant they went through the tournament without conceding a point after half-time.
