The Wallaroos have pulled off their best win in memory, belting women’s rugby heavyweights France 29-20 in a mighty WXV boilover.
Eva Karpani powered Australia with an unlikely hat-trick in Dunedin on Saturday, supported by Georgina Friedrich’s first-half try and five-eighth Carys Dallinger’s superb performance as playmaker.
The win is just Australia’s second over France in their history, with no form line suggesting a victory was on the cards.
In the WXV1 opener last week, Australia were thumped by England 42-7, while France inflicted world champions New Zealand’s first loss in three years.
However, Jay Tregonning’s side flew out the gates and kept up their intensity to stun the established order.
Tight-head prop Karpani – who had just one Test try to her name before Saturday – started the Wallaroos charge in the third minute, cashing in after Layne Morgan rode a ferocious tackle.
Eva Karpani of Australia is intervewed following the WXV1 match between France and Australia Wallaroos at Forsyth Barr Stadium on October 28, 2023 in Dunedin, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)
Emilie Bouchard finished a counter-attacking move for France after 14 minutes, with Morgane Bourgeois’ conversion tying the scores at 7-7.
Unlike their meeting with the Red Roses, Australia were able to hold onto possession for long spells, with Freidrich sidestepping her way to the team’s second try after 10 phases.
Leading 12-10 at halftime, the Wallaroos didn’t look back, with Karpani breaking through after another spell of long pressure totalling 22 phases.
After a superb line-out drive, Karpani executed a pick and drive to secure her hat-trick, with Arabella McKenzie’s conversion blowing out the margin to 29-10.
Elisa Riffonneau and Gabrielle Vernier scored late tries but there was never a chance of a French comeback win.
“It’s feels absolutely amazing … I’m so proud of us,” Karpani said, before accidentally swearing in a broadcast interview, calling it a “f—ing team effort” before catching herself.
The Wallaroos celebrated wildly for minutes after the final whistle, showing the magnitude of their triumph.
It is the first time they’ve beaten a side ranked in the world’s top three, and just the second time Australia has bested France after a 2010 win.
WXV is a new competition organised by World Rugby to ensure the game’s best nations play more often, with the top six nations competing in the WXV1 tier.
Australia’s upset means England’s clash with New Zealand next Saturday in Auckland – a replay of last year’s epic World Cup final – will decide the inaugural tournament.
Big Dave
Roar Rookie
And I'm ranked higher than Brazil in my backyard 1 on 1 comp. Apples. Oranges.
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
At what cost. While great for development and growth of the game could push some unions into financial difficulties. Take for example the Pacific 4s. It is based around 2 unions who both missed out on the WC so finances will be under extra pressure as less money and need to increase performance which costs money. That then puts more stress on the women's funding. SA had to play a winner takes all to stay in D2, next year will be a fight to stay there and Arg don't have a team. Its great results for Oz and NZ but they need more teams to push them that can afford to fully fund the women's program. Japan, Fiji/Samoa and SA also need more games at a higher level or we will end up like the men's where Europe is nice divisional levels with a T2 team pushing to be included in the 6N. Rest of the world has a 4 team T1 comp with the rest all lacking regional games.
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
Have been waiting for the articles on WXV for a while. Good win by Oz and based on Wales’ two performances they could end on the same number of wins as all the top teams if NZ can beat Eng. Overall it has shown that people don’t care about women’ rugby yet.
southcoastboy
Roar Rookie
Great result. Hopefully it’ll convince RA to further invest and build on this. When a team of part-timers perform like this it makes you wonder how much they’d improve with a full time setup.
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
:laughing:
AgainAgain
Roar Rookie
Massive. Karpani going full beast mode. A result they Wallaroos needed to remind themselves that they are not that far off the top teams and can match them on their day. Great turnaround. So pleased for them. Maybe their coach could also oversee the Wallabies.
East Coast Aces
Roar Rookie
They are ranked higher then the wallabies. Only reason they don't have a better record is they don't get to play minnows like Jones did this year.
East Coast Aces
Roar Rookie
Congratulations girls. That is a huge result!
Hhhmmmm
Roar Rookie
Hopefully RA upgrade them to business class seats back from Dunedin ! Great effort .
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
What a great result. Going to need to see if I can find anywhere to see a replay.
JC
Roar Rookie
Fantastic work by the girls. Thrilled for them. :stoked:
In From The Side
Roar Rookie
Awesome work ladies. That’s so cool. Well done
Nivlek
Roar Rookie
Fantastic - what a great win! Tremendous team defensive effort but also quality expansive attacking play to convert their scoring chances. Karpani had a blinder obviously so she gets my 3, Morgan gets 2 and Dallinger 1. The pack did a great job to not only fix their own line out but to put so much pressure on the French defensively at the set piece.
JeffRo
Roar Pro
Bloody wow! That is an upset for the ages. Well done Wallaroos. Keep on bringing it. Woman’s game, growing like a mushroom, we in our hemisphere should celebrate these results, as this branch of rugby will bare many fruit Let us lead in this level as well. Southern Hemisphere strong
Big Dave
Roar Rookie
With all due respect to the wallaroos, they have a terrible record. Good on them for the win though.
SDRedsFan
Roar Rookie
Make Eva Karpani Prime Minister
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
Don’t go there, it will just put a dampener on a thoroughly enjoyable game of Australian rugby.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
The forwards really did a great job. Gave the backs some ball and they were able to hold onto it. Karpani, her best game, an absolute beast. The value of a tight head can never be under estimated. Plus 18 yr old Moleka had her best game, she will gain some real confidence.
K.F.T.D.
Roar Rookie
Swimming, soccer, rugby-the women are better than the men, maybe we should call our country Amazonalia.
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
Well, if they won't say it, this mere waterboy will: the Wallaroos are doing a bloody good job, and more power to them!