Australia 124-6 Wales: Jillaroos smash world record in Rugby League World Cup rout

Australia’s women’s rugby league team delivered a historic humiliation to Wales in the Rugby League World Cup, winning 124-6 in Sydney. According to the BBC, the Jillaroos scored 21 tries, smashing the record for the biggest score in international history, previously held by the Denmark men who beat Sweden 122-8 in 2012 ^[1].

The half-time score of 60-0 was already the largest of any World Cup match, men's or women's, and the Australians continued their onslaught to secure a 118-point victory margin, the largest in any women's match ^[1]. Wing Jaime Chapman was the star of the show, crossing the line six times, including a final-minute try that sealed the record-breaking scoreline.

Wales, participating in the tournament for the first time after playing their inaugural Test in 2021, faced an uphill battle against an Australian side packed with NRLW talent ^[1]. Before this match, they had already suffered heavy defeats to England (70-6) and Samoa (76-0). Despite captain Bethan Dainton being the tournament’s top tackler in the first two rounds, the Welsh defence was overwhelmed by Australia’s intensity.

Australia struck early through Olivia Kernick in the sixth minute, following an offload from Makenzie Weale, and quickly shifted into another gear ^[1]. Chapman and Abbi Church exploited the flanks, while Jesse Southwell, Jessica Sergis, and Kezie Apps added to the tally. By half-time, Australia had completed 21 of 22 sets and held 84% of possession.

The second half saw little change in momentum. Keilee Joseph scored just over a minute after the restart, and Sergis completed a hat-trick, bringing up the half-century with a weaving run ^[1]. Southwell converted Sergis' fourth try to hit three figures, surpassing the 92-0 record set against France in 2022.

Amidst the rout, Wales found a moment of joy when Paige Travis scored at 100-0 down, becoming the first player to score against the Jillaroos in the tournament ^[1]. However, the Australians responded with further tries from Keeley Nizza, Chapman, and Tamika Upton to complete the destruction.

Wales captain Bethan Dainton expressed pride in her team's resilience despite the lopsided result. "We just wanted to create a legacy back home for young girls coming through, and I think we did that," she said. "The scorelines haven't been in our favour but no one gave up and I am so proud of the girls" ^[1]. Australia, hunting a fourth successive title, now moves forward with a statement of intent, while Wales will look to learn from this painful but historic debut campaign.