A converted try then stretched the lead to an astonishing 8-0 after 20 minutes. It was the first time Australia had failed to score first in a World Cup match since the 2013 final. Australia finally sparked. Two tries in the last 10 minutes of the first half brought them level, and the interval gave coach Jess Skinner a chance to reset a side that had been second best for long stretches.
Fiji, playing in their first women's World Cup, made the opening their own. The first 10 minutes belonged to them, and a penalty goal from Yaranamua, awarded after an illegal strip, put the first points on the board.
The lead might have grown further. Had Upton not brilliantly tipped a Fiji grubber behind her own line, Australia would have trailed. The Fijians were almost in again until Church snatched the ball back from another Yaranamua kick just in time.
A significant moment in a side packed with talent swung the contest back toward Australia. It was one of several major touches in a match that had hung on fine margins while Fiji led.
The defeat will hurt an inspired Fiji side. Tears ran down faces during the anthem, and the team delivered a passionate hymn before kick-off. Their first women's World Cup will not be forgotten.
The performance should not have been a surprise. Fiji had already shown they could trouble established sides: an earlier match hung in the balance until a late New Zealand try ended that uprising.
This time the recovery belonged to Australia. Once the Jillaroos found their rhythm, Fiji could not match them for long.
Kelly said she had"so much respect for Abbi"and, as a team-mate, had been"so proud of her the past two years."She also said everyone came out happy knowing they had given their best throughout the whole 70 minutes.