Australia will battle for fifth place at the women’s Rugby World Cup after securing their first win of the tournament over Japan in Ireland.
The Wallaroos held off a Japanese fightback for a 29-15 victory to secure third place in pool C in Dublin on Thursday.
Australia led 19-0 just before halftime at Billings Park after tries from Samantha Treherne, Grace Hamilton and Mahalia Murphy.
But Japan got back to within four points with 17 minutes remaining with three tries of their own to set up a tense finale.
The Wallaroos regained their composure as Nareta Marsters crossed, while a second for Treherne in the 72nd minute secured the win.
Australia finished behind France and Ireland in the group and will play the host nation in the fifth-place play-off on Tuesday.
France, who trounced Australia 48-0 in their last match, remained undefeated in the group after beating Ireland 21-5 on Thursday.
New Zealand’s Black Ferns secured a semi-final spot with an eight-try thumping of Canada.
Tight-head prop Aldora Itunu scored a hat-trick in the 48-5 win, which was marred by two yellow cards.