Australia claimed a fourth consecutive World Cup title, beating New Zealand 34-10 in Brisbane on Sunday.
The Jillaroos scored six first-half tries, while the Kiwi Ferns managed the only try after halftime.
Four years earlier, New Zealand lost the England Cup final 54-4 with a squad of local club players.
Captain Georgia Hale said her current side had the talent and fitness to perform better, but struggled under early pressure.
She summed up the missed start: "So much has changed in four years but … pressure came today and we missed that start."
Hale said the team now draws from the NRLW and has a pathway from New Zealand, with the Warriors back in the competition.
The Warriors were an NRLW foundation club, disbanded during COVID-19 and returned last year.
Coach Ricky Henry rejected fears the gap was widening: "More are playing NRLW, professionals are making the switch from rugby," he said.
The Jillaroos' decade of dominance has brought the head-to-head record to 17-16, after 20 years of defeats against the Ferns.