World warned as Jillaroos rewrite history books in pursuit for title
The Jillaroos have etched their names into the rugby league history books after serving a 122-6 thrashing to Wales in the latter’s final game of the World Cup.
An expectation that Australia would win their final group stage match was comfortably met, with a clear statement sent by the sport’s benchmark team on Sunday as a number of players crossed for multiple tries against a scrambling Welsh outfit.
Jessica Sergis was too strong to be stopped by Wales. Getty Images
Jaime Chapman and Jessica Sergis were the top try-scorer for the hosts, scoring six and four tries respectively. Keilee Joseph and Abbi Church were the other two Jillaroos to dart over more than once against Wales, both crossing for a double in the second half.
But as the scoreboard continued to rise thanks to tries from Olivia Kernick, Jesse Southwell, Kezie Apps and Sariah Paki, a long-standing record came under threat – being the largest victory by any team in international rugby league.
The record was set with a 106-point difference between the winners and losers when the Kangaroos faced Russia at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup.
In the women’s game alone, the record was already held by the Jillaroos after their 92-0 win over France at the 2022 edition of the World Cup. That record was equalled last week by the Kiwi Ferns when they faced France also.
With 15 minutes to go, the Jillaroos had broken the women’s record thanks to a beautiful break by superstar fullback Tamika Upton, but the group had zero intentions to slow down without breaking the all-time winning record.
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Wales were determined to do whatever it took to stop that record from falling, despite only working through eight sets to Australia’s 36 by the 60th minute. But Tayla Preston put through a short grubber for her Welsh teammate Paige Travis to chase and ground in the in-goal, much to the joy of the visiting nation.
“It’s the biggest celebration you can imagine,” Brett Kimmorley said on Seven.
While Wales’ celebrations were grand, the team conceded a try via Keeley Nizza.
Chapman crossed for two more before the full-time whistle to equal the Australian record for most tries scored by an individual player in a game, while Upton bagged her second of the match.
“It is a massacre here,” caller Drury Forbes said.
Australia will follow their historic victory with a semi-final clash against Fiji next Sunday.
