Jillaroos defeat Kiwi Ferns 24-4 to win Pacific Championships final

The Jillaroos have completed their revenge tour over the Kiwi Ferns on the back of a defensive masterclass to win back the Pacific Championships trophy they lost last year.

Revenge is a dish best served piping hot as the Jillaroos trounced the Kiwi Ferns 24-4 to make up for last year’s shock loss in the Pacific Cup final, with Australia only conceding their first points of the tournament in the final two minutes.

After they had their seven-year winning streak snapped by New Zealand 12 months ago, the World Cup champions flexed their muscles at CommBank Stadium with a thumping win over their biggest rivals.

It was a clear message to the rest of the world that the Jillaroos are still the most dominant force in women’s rugby league, with their all-star backline setting the tone early down their lethal left edge.

Millie Elliott (r) celebrates with try-scorer Tamika Upton. Picture: Izhar Khan/Getty Images

Karyn Murphy Medal winner Tarryn Aiken got the ball rolling when she skipped out of a tackle to set up Julia Robinson for the opening try, before champion centre Isabelle Kelly continued her remarkable year when she fended out of a tackle and sped away to score.

And while the attack was brilliant, it was Australia’s defence that shone on Sunday as the Kiwi Ferns only managed to score a very dubious try at the death as the hosts finished the tournament with an absurd 122-4 aggregate from three games.

Apps with EFFORT! 💯#PacificChampspic.twitter.com/g1qqWJZOht

— NRLW (@NRLWomens) November 10, 2024

MILESTONE MAGIC

Ali Brigginshaw became the fifth Jillaroo to play 25 matches, and the veteran playmaker celebrated the occasion with a typically clinical performance as the Aussies got their revenge for last year’s loss.

Wearing the six on her back, Brigginshaw was happy to take a back seat early on as halves partner Tarryn Aiken carved up on the left edge.

But it was only a matter of time until she left her mark on the contest, with the skipper nailing a 40/20 late in the first half which led to Tiana Penitani dragging two defenders with her over the line to make it 12-0 at the break.

And while Brigginshaw might be the GOAT, the future is in safe hands after Aiken had another cracking game at halfback and iced the win in the second half when she dummied and sliced through to score the sealer.

Upton the opportunist! 💥#PacificChampspic.twitter.com/6ZeI9e62Wm

— NRLW (@NRLWomens) November 10, 2024

RAE OF LIGHT

They may have shocked the world last year, but the Kiwi Ferns still have a long way to go if they want to seriously contend with Australia going forward.

The reigning Pacific Cup winners scored just one try against the World Cup champions and weren’t overly convincing in their win over PNG.

New Zealand desperately missed Raecene McGregor, with the classy halfback missing the tournament due to family commitments.

Their afternoon was perfectly summed up in the second half when fullback Apii Nicholls failed to clean up a Tamika Upton grubber, with her attempted tap on pounced on by the Jillaroos fullback who streaked away to score.