Australia has made it three consecutive World Cup titles, thrashing arch rivals New Zealand 54-4 in Manchester on Monday morning.
Halfback Ali Briggingshaw, labelled by many in the women’s game as the ‘Female GOAT’, solidified her place in the sport’s history by leading the Australians to victory at Manchester United’s Old Trafford.
Australia’s players celebrate with the trophy after winning the World Cup.Credit:
Brigginshaw collected her second-straight woman-of-the-match award in a World Cup final, quashing speculation that her time in the green and gold was coming to an end.
The Brisbane Broncos halfback set up three tries in a commanding performance which saw Jess Sergis, Isabelle Kelly, Tarryn Aitken and Kennedy Cherrington all cross for doubles.
The Australians went through the tournament undefeated and highlighted the huge gulf they have created between themselves and all rival nations.
The Jillaroos’ victory marked their greatest win against New Zealand in 26 Test matches against their trans-Tasman rivals, who have not beaten Australian since 2016.
Australia’s World Cup win sees them equal New Zealand with the most World Cup titles.
WHAT THEY SAID
Woman-of-the-match Ali Brigginshaw on playing at another World Cup in France in 2025:
“I hope so. I forgot what age I am. All the people that said I was too old, I’m still here and I’m going to France.”
Brigginshaw on winning another World Cup:
“That was unbelievable from all the girls. We had a defence focus. I’ve never been part of a group that defends like that. We never rest in defence and you saw that today. We let them in once and we’re kicking ourselves but I’m so proud of the girls.”
Australian coach Brad Donald on his team:
“They are the greatest bunch of ladies. I’m ecstatic for the group, it was everything we’ve dreamt of and spoken about for a number of years. We made a lot of mistakes today but we had no concerns we’d put on a good performance.”
New Zealand coach Ricky Henry:
“We didn’t give ourselves a chance, we played our worst game, today we were way off our best. The game has grown so rapidly in Australia and we need to try and get on that train.”
HOW IT HAPPENED
The tries of the game
- 5th minute: Jess Sergis opened the scoring for Australia. (6-0)
- 15th minute: Isabelle Kelly also scored early to give the Aussies strong momentum. (10-0)
- 27th minute: Ali Brigginshaw’s cross-field kick set up winger Julia Robertson. (14-0)
- 36th minute: Isabelle Kelly was too hard to contain out wide, breezing past defenders for her second try. (20-0)
- 49th minute: Brigginshaw put Tonegato over for the first try of the second half. (26-0)
- 52nd minute: Kezie Apps combines with Jess Sergis to give the centre her second try. (32-0)
- 57th minute: Tarryn Aitken’s cut-out pass put winger Evania Pelite into space, turning it back into Aitken to score. (38-0)
- 64th minute: Madison Bartlett finished off a Kiwi Ferns backline play to score New Zealand’s first try (38-4).
- 67th minute: Interchange player Lauren Brown turned it on the inside for Kennedy Cherrington to crash over. (44-4)
- 70th minute: A Tarryn Aitken chip kick was chased down by Isabelle Kelly and offloaded to Cherrington for her second (50-4).
- 73rd minute: Evania Pelite became Australia’s fourth player to score a double crossing out wide. (54-4)
