The Wallaroos’ hopes of the reaching the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals remain alive after they scrapped their way to a heart-stopping 14-12 victory over Scotland.
The Australians were on shaky ground on Saturday at Whangarei, only hitting the lead in the 72nd minute after reserve hooker Ashley Marsters dragged Scottish defenders over the line.
Fullback Lori Cramer then converted the try to go ahead 14-12.
But the Wallaroos faced a nervous final five minutes when Marsters was sent off for a high tackle.
She was replaced by starting hooker Adiana Talakai, but she was also sent off for a high shot with the offence escalated to a red card after she had already had a yellow card in the first half.
The Scots kept the ball in play before Australia were able to force a penalty at the breakdown in the 83rd minute to secure the win.
“It was nerve-wracking. It was a real tough battle against Scotland, they really showed us how to play some footy there today,” Wallaroos captain Shannon Parry told Stan Sport.
“I’m immensely proud. We gutted it out all the way to the end – an 80 minute performance – and to come away with that victory, it’s a really good reward.
“We didn’t play as good, as clinical as we wanted to but we’ll take the points. We’re still alive in this tournament, and that’s what matters.”
Having opened their campaign with a defeat against hosts New Zealand, and with the top two advancing to the quarter-finals, the Wallaroos desperately needed the victory over their 10th-ranked opponents.
Unlike their match against the Black Ferns, where they raced to a 17-0 lead before being overhauled, the Australians struggled to find tries.
They were unable to take advantage of the efforts of barnstorming No.8 Grace Hamilton and hardworking props Eva Karpani and Liz Patu.
With a strong wind at their backs, the Wallaroos finally got across the line in the 58th minute when teenage winger Bienne Terita scored her third try of the tournament after a build-up of 12 phases.
That closed the gap to 12-7 after Scotland had earlier mauled the ball, with Lana Skeldon collecting the spoils in the eighth minute.
They were also awarded a penalty try in the 26th minute with Talakai also yellow-carded for illegally trying to collapse their maul after repeated team infringements.
Down 12-0 at halftime, the Wallaroos had to dig deep but with coach Jay Tregonning emptying his bench they wore down the steely Scots’ defence.
In other results, USA defeated Japan 30-17 to boost their quarter-final hopes.
The Americans found themselves struggling to score points in the first 50 minutes but were finally able to click into gear, finishing Japan off with 17 unanswered points.
“We just came out with a little more belief this time around,” US captain Kate Zackary said.
“We came here to have a performance today, we needed a performance and the girls showed up. We needed to shine in that second half and every player did, one through 23.”
Englad then triumphed over France in the final match of the day.
Centre Emily Scarratt scored all of England’s points as they claimed a tense 13-7 victory over France in their women’s Rugby World Cup Pool C clash at the Northland Events Centre in Whangarei on Saturday to record a 27th consecutive Test win.
England qualify for the quarter-finals having dominated territory and possession, but France stayed in the contest to the end with superb defence as Scarratt managed a converted try and two penalties.
FatOldHalfback
Roar Rookie
One thing the Wallaroos need to do is give Kramer more of the kicking, especially the exit kicks and the kicks to touch. Mackenzie is a fine game manager and can run and pass but her kick is a least 10m shorter than Kramer. I suppose this is a problem the Wallabies have as well fly-halves like Noah L and Foley really lack the kicking distance of fullbacks like Hodge and Banks, both sides need to take this into account especailly on exits.
FatOldHalfback
Roar Rookie
Hazel Nutt: yeah the two props were immense, great to see a LHP (Karpani) off and running and Patu never has bad game.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Yep IMO WR need to put more thought into this, what it’s becoming, a ridiculous card farce. I’m a great believer of player safety but it’s more so the way WR are using referees to enforce something that is only half done. As far as the Wallaroos went, the win was great, but why wasn’t Terita used more effectively as she virtually only came into the game in the last 20mins or so?
MichaelJ0
Roar Rookie
Yes, kudos to the ref; very methodical and excellent communicator. She really did set a high standard. Agree, the Wallaroos were tackling too upright particularly late in the match when fatigue was kicking in. Hopefully this will be addressed by next week. Great match by our props Eva Karpani and Liz Patu. They really got the Wallaroos moving forward. Commiserations to Scotland who defended really well and played a great tactical game. Hopefully they get a win next week!
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
Terrific game, a bit more stressful than I would like.
JamesD
Guest
I only saw the second one as I only managed to catch the very end of the game. But it looked like she was given a yellow card for the tackle because of the mitigating factor of the dip in height. The ref made it sound like it was her 2nd yellow card so therefore a red.
Hazel Nutt
Roar Rookie
Really enjoyed the match. Once the Wallaroos embraced the sheer power of the front row up the centre they looked unstoppable. Hope they carry that into the next match. A little more attacking structure would help them immeasurably because for the first half and periods of the second half they were going side to side and not making any ground against a solid Scottish defence. They have to build that platform to give their strong centre combo and evasive wingers a chance. Also impressed by the referee. The cards may have been harsh, but far too many of the Wallaroos were going into contract very upright so it was only a matter of time. Scotland had excellent tackling technique generally, they never looked in danger of being carded, and their defence was solid most of the match. The Wallaroos will definitely learn a few lessons, and the next match should be a cracker!
Mungbean74
Roar Rookie
Awesome effort ladies! My daughter plays here in Japan, and I’m an Aussie with Scottish parents and ancestors. I agree with some that Auz needed some of the 7’s talent in this squad. I would have liked to have seen Fakasilia and Levi but I’m glad the girls who are there are trying there hearts out. It’s a tough old game, with not much cash rewards, but plenty of non financial rewards when you hit the pitch for the game we love. Go Auz!
Clash
Roar Pro
Not being nasty but I much prefer the wimmins sevens comps because of their skill and enthusiasm. I’m a Scot and watched the Scotland v Australia match. Quite enjoyed it because the standard was about the same as the club rugby I played in Scotland back in the 60s and 70s and (dare I say it) the 80s. That is to say it wasn’t great rugby was it. Stopped watching at half time even although we (Scotland) were winning. Shame with the comments because up until now there isn’t one female sounding name (unless it’s Andy) commenting. I’m sure I’ve seen a couple of lassies commenting previously so why not in your major game?
Andy J
Roar Rookie
Those red cards were pretty rough, I thought the first one initial contact was shoulder to shoulder then head on head the second the Scottish player dropped significantly prior to contzct