Jillaroos Crush Kiwi Ferns 40-8 to Retain Women’s Pacific Cup Glory
In a dominant display of attacking flair and defensive steel, the Australian Jillaroos stormed to a 40-8 victory over the New Zealand Kiwi Ferns in the Women’s Pacific Championships final on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium. Defending their 2023 crown, Australia showcased why they’re world No. 1, running in seven unanswered tries in a clinical performance that left the Ferns chasing shadows. With a crowd of over 20,000 roaring them on, the Jillaroos capped a flawless tournament—scoring 160 points across three Tests—while extending their unbeaten run against New Zealand to 11 straight games. Julia Robinson’s try double earned her player-of-the-match honors, but this was a true team triumph, blending raw power with pinpoint execution.
Key Moments: A Timeline of Total Domination
The Jillaroos wasted no time asserting control, exploding out of the blocks in a first half that saw them lead 24-0 at the break. The Ferns clawed back two quick tries early in the second stanza but couldn’t stem the tide as Australia piled on 16 more points. Here’s how the tries unfolded:
| Time | Scorer (Team) | Details | Conversion (Scorer) | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3′ | Olivia Kernick (AUS) | Sliced between defenders for her second tournament try. | Yes (Jesse Southwell) | 6-0 |
| 13′ | Julia Robinson (AUS) | Leapt spectacularly to haul in a Southwell cross-field kick—her 21st Test try. | Yes (Southwell) | 12-0 |
| 25′ | Keilee Joseph (AUS) | Dummy-half scoop after slick hands and a Ferns sin-bin (Ash Quinlan for professional foul). | Yes (Southwell) | 18-0 |
| 32′ | Jess Sergis (AUS) | 70m runaway after a Ferns turnover; her 17th Test try. | Yes (Southwell) | 24-0 |
| 41′ | Shanice Parker (NZ) | Finished off a sweeping right-edge move involving Hale, McGregor, Nicholls, and Roache. | No (Apii Nicholls) | 24-4 |
| 49′ | Tamika Upton (AUS) | Dummied through Roache for her 14th Test try. | Yes (Southwell) | 30-4 |
| 52′ | Tysha Ikenasio (NZ) | Stepped inside Whitfeld off a McGregor pick-up; her first Kiwi Fern try. | No | 30-8 |
| 63′ | Ellie Johnston (AUS) | Crashed over from dummy-half pass by Olivia Higgins; her first Test try. | Yes (Southwell) | 36-8 |
| 70′ | Julia Robinson (AUS) | Capped a left-edge sweep from Clydsdale; her second of the night. | No (Southwell—hit crossbar) | 40-8 |
Halftime: Australia 24-0. The second half’s brief Ferns fightback evaporated after a second sin-bin (Ivana Lauitiiti for a hip-drop on Higgins at 60′), handing Australia a numerical edge to seal the deal.
Standout Stars: Robinson Soars, Team Effort Shines
- Julia Robinson (Wing): The electric Queenslander was untouchable, notching 138 run meters, two tackle breaks, and that jaw-dropping aerial take—echoing her highlight-reel efforts all season. “She’s elite,” one pundit gushed, cementing her as a generational talent.
- Jess Sergis (Bench Utility): In for just 53 minutes, she exploded for 95 meters and a long-range stunner, proving her bench impact is priceless.
- Tamika Upton (Fullback): Returning from injury, the NRLW star’s 14th Test try highlighted her game-breaking nous, with sharp dummies and leadership.
- Jakiya Whitfeld (Wing): Late call-up delivered 113 meters and two line breaks, setting up Sergis’ rocket.
- Apii Nicholls (Fullback, NZ): Bright spark for the Ferns with 156 meters and six tackle breaks, but it wasn’t enough against Australia’s wall.
Injuries tempered the joy: Skipper Kezie Apps exited early (59′) with a lower back issue, and Higgins took an accidental knee to the head—both cleared post-match.
Stats Snapshot: Possession, Power, and Precision
Australia’s stranglehold was total:
- Possession/Sets: 16/21 completions by halftime; Ferns at 85% but zero points from it.
- Run Meters: Jillaroos backline (Upton, Kelly, Robinson, Penitani Gray, Whitfeld, Sergis) amassed 665 meters from 65 carries.
- Errors/Penalties: Nine Jillaroos errors vs. Ferns’ turnovers at crucial junctures; two Ferns sin-bins flipped momentum.
- Discipline: Lauitiiti on report for her high shot—expect judiciary scrutiny.
This rout avenged a tighter 12-8 pool win in Auckland last week, where the Ferns had pushed them close. Australia’s defense leaked just eight points—their stingiest of 2025—while their attack clicked with ruthless efficiency.
Verdict: Crown Secured, But Eyes on Bigger Horizons
The Jillaroos’ third straight Pacific Cup (including 2023’s inaugural) underscores their dynasty, but coach John Cartwright warned: “We’ve got the Women’s World Cup next year— this is just the warm-up.” For New Zealand, it’s another silver (their third runners-up in four finals), but coach Ricky Henry praised their grit: “We troubled them early, but their class shone through.” With the men’s Kiwis stunning Samoa 36-14 in the decider—sending Kieran Foran into retirement a winner—the weekend was a Trans-Tasman thriller.
Fans are already buzzing for 2026’s World Cup clash. If this is a taste, the Ferns will need to evolve fast. Congrats to the green and gold—what a way to cap the year! 🏆