Julia Robinson has become the most prolific try-scorer in Jillaroos history with a superwoman effort in a 60-0 drubbing of Fetu Samoa, before the Samoa men’s side turned the tables to defeat Tonga 34-6.
The 27-year-old Robinson notched her 20th Test try with a stunning dive to catch a Jesse Southwell bomb, flying 5m through the air to catch the ball and score in the Pacific Cup double-header at Suncorp Stadium.
Australia will now play New Zealand at Eden Park next Sunday and back up against their long-time rivals the following week for the final in Sydney.
The world champion Jillaroos – stocked with Sydney Roosters and Brisbane players from the NRLW grand final – had far too much strikepower for Fetu Samoa, who had several refereeing calls go against them but were unable to build pressure.
Broncos-bound half Southwell impressed on debut and forged a strong linking partnership with fullback Tamika Upton. Jillaroos superstar Upton, who had her fingerprints all over the win, was quick to make her mark on the match with a pinpoint cutout pass for winger Jessica Sergis.
Centre and co-captain Isabelle Kelly was given space to storm ahead and link with Robinson, who made a tough task look easy as she swept past two defenders to score in the corner for a 26-0 halftime lead. There was a nice touch for the duo with Robinson joining Kelly on Australia’s all-time try-scoring list with 19.
Robinson notched her second and broke Kelly’s record with her incredible flying leap. The floodgates then opened even further.
Samoa had nothing go their way but received another powerhouse display from lock Shalom Sauoso. Five-eighth Taliah Fuimaono made crucial try-saving tackles and tried to ignite the side, with her passing and kicking game impressive.