Julia Robinson scores six tries as Jillaroos smash PNG in record 84-0 drubbing

The Jillaroos have made a major statement in the opening game of the Pacific Championships by thrashing the PNG Orchids in a record scoreline.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 18: Julia Robinson of the Jillaroos celebrates after scoring a try during the women's 2024 Pacific Championships match between Australia Jillaroos and PNG Orchids at Suncorp Stadium on October 18, 2024 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

The Jillaroos have made a major statement in the opening game of the Pacific Championships by thrashing the PNG Orchids 84-0 in a record result for the Australian women’s side.

It was a tryathon for wingers Julia Robinson and Jakaiya Whitfield, who scored six and five tries respectively. Robinson’s six tries set a new record for most tries scored in a Test match by a Jillaroo.

Robinson dominated for the entire 70 minutes, finishing with a try assist, seven linebreaks, 16 tackle busts and 225 running metres. Whitfield also impressed with six linebreaks, eight tackle busts and 181 metres.

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It was a clunky start from the Jillaroos but once Tamika Upton scored the first try of the night in the seventh minute, the floodgates opened.

While Robinson and Whhitfield headlined the score sheet, Upton and Isabelle Kelly also celebrated doubles, while Jess Sergis and Tiana Penitani scored a try each too.

The Jillaroos were just way too good. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

The Jillaroos finished the game looking like a well-oiled machine despite losing co-captain five-eighth Ali Brigginshaw to an ongoing finger injury prior to kick-off.

That ommission sparked a big reshuffle with Penitani shifting to the halves and Sergis joining the backline — but it didn’t bother Penitani who finished with four try assists and five linebreak assists.

Jillaroos coach Brad Donald does however face a nervous wait on Penitani’s availability for next week’s blockbuster clash with New Zealand after she picked up a leg injury in the final minute.

Julia Robinson and Tamika Upton celebrate a Jillaroos try.

It was an unhappy night for the Orchids — and not just on the scoreboard. They lost Roswita Kapo to the sin bin in the first half and then two players to injury. Centre La-Toniya Norris-Addo was taken from the field on a medi cab, while second-rower Emily Veivers later limped off.

TEAMS

Jillaroos team: 1. Tamika Upton 2. Julia Robinson 3. Isabelle Kelly 18. Jessica Sergis 5. Jakiya Whitfeld 4. Tiana Penitani 7. Tarryn Aiken 8. Millie Elliot 9. Quincy Dodd 10. Shannon Mato 11. Kezie Apps 12. Yasmin Clydsdale 13. Simaima Taufa 14. Olivia Higgins 15. Sarah Togatuki 16. Keilee Joseph 17. Mahalia Murphy. Reserve: 19. Abbi Church

Orchids team: 1. Mala Mark 2. Freda Waula 3. Belinda Gwasamun 4. Latoniya Norris 5. Lyiannah Allan 6. Sera Koroi 7. Delailah Ahose 8. Essay Banu 9. Ua Ravu 10. Elsie Albert 11. Sareka Mooka 12. Emily Veivers 13. Gloria Kaupa 14. Roswita Kapo 15. Jessikah Reeves 16. Talitha Kunjil 17. Leila Kerowa. Reserve: 18. Lilah Malabag

Originally published as Julia Robinson scores six tries as Jillaroos smash PNG in record 84-0 drubbing