Australia's Jillaroos produced the biggest score in international rugby league history, hammering debutants Wales 124-6 in a Women's Rugby League World Cup mismatch in Sydney. The half-time score of 60-0 was the largest ever recorded in any World Cup match, men's or women's, and the final 118-point victory margin set a new record for the women's game.
First Half Dominance
Australia ran in 10 converted tries in the opening 40 minutes, led by wing Jaime Chapman's hat-trick and centre Jessica Sergis's double. Lock Olivia Kernick opened the scoring in the sixth minute after a brilliant offload from prop Makenzie Weale. Chapman added two more down the left flank, while Abbi Church powered over twice on the right. Jesse Southwell, Kezie Apps, Sariah Paki and Chapman again crossed as Australia completed 21 of 22 sets and enjoyed 84% possession.
Second Half Continues
The onslaught continued after the break with Keilee Joseph scoring within a minute. Sergis completed her four-try haul, Chapman added two more to finish with six, and full-back Tamika Upton crossed twice. Substitute Keeley Nizza also touched down as the Jillaroos surpassed their own previous World Cup record of 92-0 against France in 2022 and eclipsed the Denmark men's team's 122-8 win over Sweden in 2012.
Wales' Historic Moment
Amid the rout, Wales celebrated a historic first try in the tournament when Paige Travis chased down Tayla Preston's kick to make it 100-6. Preston converted. Wales captain Bethan Dainton, the tournament's leading tackler with 77 in the first two rounds, said: "We just wanted to create a legacy back home for young girls coming through, and I think we did that. The scorelines haven't been in our favour but no one gave up and I am so proud of the girls."
Context
Wales were playing only their 16th Test match and first against Australia, having lost 70-6 to England and 76-0 to Samoa earlier in the tournament. Australia, packed with NRLW talent, are chasing a fourth consecutive World Cup title.
