Records tumble as Jillaroos put paid to Wales

Jaime Chapman crossed for six tries as the Jillaroos marched their way to the World Cup semi-finals after a record 124-6 victory over Wales on Sunday.

The Jillaroos' win was the biggest in Rugby League World Cup history, eclipsing their 92-0 victory over France at the 2022 World Cup.

It also eclipsed the Kangaroos' record win of 110-4 against Russia at the 2000 World Cup.

Headlined by Chapman's record-equalling six try-haul and four from veteran Jess Sergis, Australia got the job done in style to move into next Saturday's semi-final against Fiji.

It was an improved start from Wales who matched it with the Jillaroos for the opening sets but Australia were quick to get on a roll after Olivia Kernick kicked off the scoring six minutes into the match. 

Chapman then picked up a double, burning Wales on the left edge to put the Jillaroos in front 18-0 in the opening 10 minutes.

Eels fullback Abbi Church and star playmaker Jesse Southwell both picked up tries from close range in quick succession to blow the scoreline out to 30-0 after 20 minutes.

The remainder of the first half proved tough going for Wales who couldn't find a way to slow down the Jillaroos attack as the score blew out 60-0, the biggest halftime score in Rugby League World Cup history.

After having 84 per cent of possession and crossing for 10 tries in the first half, the Jillaroos picked up right where they left off with Keilee Joseph powering over in the 37th minute and Sergis crossing for a hat-trick just two minutes later. 

Joseph capped off her afternoon with a double and 226 run metres in her 38-minute stint off the bench while Tamika Upton also got her name on the board with a second-half double to notch for her first points for the tournament.

After having just 17 per cent of possession, a great moment came for France in the 60th minute with Paige Travis crossing the stripe courtesy of a perfectly weighted chip from Bulldogs halfback Tayla Preston.

Halfback Jesse Southwell had a sensational day with the boot landing 20 of 21 conversions on her Test debut. She finished the day with 44 points, just two short of Ryan Girdler's Australian record of 46 against Russia in 2000.

The Jillaroos now look ahead to their semi-final clash with Fiji Bulikula at Allianz Stadium on Sunday with coach Jess Skinner sure to have plenty of selection headaches following the record-breaking victory.