‘That was unbelievable’: Jillaroos secure World Cup with ruthless 10-try Kiwis demolition

Australia has destroyed New Zealand in a ruthless display in the final of the Rugby League World Cup on Sunday morning.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 19: Evania Pelite of Australia celebrates their sides tenth try with teammates during the Women's Rugby League World Cup Final match between Australia and New Zealand at Old Trafford on November 19, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Australia have destroyed New Zealand 54-4 in the women’s World Cup final at Old Trafford in Manchester.

The Jillaroos only beat the Kiwis 10-8 in the group stages but they piled on 10 tries to one in the decider.

It was 20-0 at halftime and Australia delivered an even more ruthless second half, with Kennedy Cherrington scoring a double.

Watch every match of the Rugby League World Cup LIVE & Exclusive to Fox Sports, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

Isabelle Kelly and Jessica Segis also finished with doubles, while Julia Robinson, Emma Tonegato and Tarryn Aiken all crossed.

Jillaroos veteran halfback Ali Brigginshaw was named player of the match as Australia won their third straight World Cup.

Brigginshaw, alongside Lauren Brown added seven conversions between them to cap what proved to be a long afternoon under the cosh for the Kiwi Ferns.

“That was unbelievable from all the girls. It was defence focused and I’ve never been part of a group that can defend like that, that was special,” Brigginshaw said.

“We never rest in defence, we let them cross once and we’re kicking ourselves about that.

“All the people that said I was too old I’m still here and I’m going to play (at the 2025 World Cup) in France.

“We’re going to celebrate this one tonight.”

The two previous finals between the two sides, in 2017 and 2013 — both of which were won by Australia, were close affairs with only 10 and seven points separating them respectively.

Madison Bartlett got the Black Ferns on the scoreboard with a try in the corner in the 65th minute.

New Zealand coach Ricky Henry said the result was “a tough one”.

“To Australia’s credit, they played really well today. It’s a big stage and a little bit of a learning experience for us,” Henry said.

We’ve got a young squad and I hope in 2025 they’ll be better prepared to have a crack at it.

“You’ve got to be ruthless, and that’s what they were -- we didn’t have that. We’re proud of what we did prior to this but they showed a different class today.”

Originally published as ‘That was unbelievable’: Jillaroos secure World Cup with ruthless 10-try Kiwis demolition