The tournament debutants put pressure on the Australia line from the start. Soon the entire Aussie team caught the bug with simple drops and brainless errors, and after 12 minutes Simaima Taufa conceded a penalty under the posts.
Fiji opted to kick for two points. Four minutes later, they went all the way.
Captain Sereana Naitokatoka stole the ball from Jaime Chapman 10 metres from the Australia line, and they drove through the defence for half-back Luisa Yaranamua to score. She also converted to give Fiji an astonishing 8-0 lead.
At last Australia sparked into life, and two tries in the final 10 minutes of the opening half brought them level.
Church drove over in the right corner, before Tamika Upton slipped through the defence as Australia returned pressure following a Fiji drop-out.
But Jocelyn Kelleher missed twice from the tee to allow Fiji in at half-time level. Had Upton not brilliantly tipped a Fiji grubber behind, Australia would have trailed.
Whatever coach Jess Skinner said in the changing room woke Australia up, and they took control.
Church completed her treble – the third a brilliant catch from a booming Tarryn Aiken kick to the corner and before grounding the ball at full tilt – either side of Chapman diving over.
Normal service resumed. But at last, the Jillaroos have been proved fallible – with a late Maria Paseka try providing a deserved flourish for fearless Fiji.
“I’m so happy,” Naitokatoka said afterwards. “What a game.
“It was so exciting. We just had fun, not thinking too much. Just run hard, play hard, that was our goal. Everyone came out of there happy knowing they’ve put their best throughout the whole 70 minutes.”
Church, though, had the last word for Australia – collecting Losana Lutu’s kick around 30 metres from her own line before racing clear to score.
“I have so much respect for Abbi,” said Kelly. “All year round she’s incredible. Everyone thinks she’s a full-back but she could play anywhere and dominate a role.
“Abbi is the ultimate team-mate. She’s a quiet one but she gets about her work to make sure she can perform her best. As a team-mate I’ve been so proud of her the past two years.”
