FULL TIME | ||
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Women's Rugby World Cup | ||
Venue: Northlands Event Centre, Whanarei | ||
Australia | vs | Wales |
13 | Score | 7 |
The Wallaroos sit in the box seat for quarter-final qualification in the Rugby Union Women’s World Cup and face Wales in their final pool match of the tournament. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 12:15pm (AEDT).
A gritty win against Scotland where the Wallaroos ended the match two players down thanks to carded offences has set the team up well for a shot at qualifying for the quarter-finals.
A win or draw against the Welsh will confirm their position, whereas a loss will see them sweating on other results and hopeful of being one of the top-two third-placed teams come the end of the group phase.
With a strong wind playing havoc with kicks and passes, the Australians were disappointing against the Scots, conceding a considerable first-half lead, before finding better rhythm in the second half and storming home for the win.
Things became very nervy in the final seconds as the team held on grimly despite being short on troops and across the balance of play, Scotland were potentially a little unlucky; ruing poor execution in the opening period that could well have seen them further in front at the break.
The Welsh were belted by the Kiwis 56-12 in their second pool game, after toppling Scotland in their opening match by 18-15, with victory secured on the last kick of the game. Thus, both sides are eyeing off second spot in the group and the loser, destined for some restless hours awaiting their fate.
In team changes, Ivania Wong comes onto a wing for the Wallaroos and in a forward reshuffle, Eva Karpani heads back to the bench and Bridie O’Gormann moves into the back row.
Adiana Talakai holds her place after a strong performance against Scotland and the halves pairing of Arabella McKenzie and Iliseva Batibasaga also hold their places despite being unconvincing last weekend.
Prediction
In what looks likely to be a tight tussle, the Wallaroos will have to overcome a committed and disciplined Welsh back that will look to grind through the centre of the field before earning to right to play more expansively.
The Australians must hold them in that area and resist the temptation to shift the ball before crossing the advantage line and turning around the Welsh pack. Expect a tight one.
Wales by 6 points in something of an upset.
Kick-off: 12:15pm (AEDT)
Venue: Northlands Event Centre, Whanarei
Live stream: Stan Sport
Odds: Australia $1.28; Wales $3.60 – odds via PlayUp
Teams
Wallaroos
Lori Cramer, Bienne Terita, Georgina Friedrichs, Sharni Williams, Ivania Wong, Arabella McKenzie, Iliseva Batibasaga, Grace Hamilton, Shannon Parry (c), Emily Chancellor, Atasi Lafai, Michaela Leonard, Bride O’Gorman Adiana Talakai, Liz Patu
Reserves: Ashley Marsters, Emily Robinson, Eva Karpani, Grace Kemp, Piper Duck, Layne Morgan, Trileen Pomare, Pauline Piliae-Rasabale
Wales
Niamh Terry, Jasmine Joyce, Carys Williams-Morris, Hannah Jones (c), Lisa Neumann, Elinor Snowsill, Ffion Lewis, Sioned Harries, Alex Callender, Bethan Lewis, Gwen Crabb, Natalia John, Cerys Hale, Kelsey Jones, Cara Hope
Reserves: Carys Phillips, Caryl Thomas, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Georgia Evans, Siwan Lilicrap, Keira Bevan, Robyn Wilkins
TonyH
Roar Rookie
The Wallaroos would assuredly benefit from the addition of a few of their 7s' world champions in future.
Tez
Roar Rookie
Well done to the ladies .... keep it up, play hard. I wonder if Charlotte Caslick playing 10 would improve the team ?
Stuart Thomas
Expert
That won't get far executing like that, yet they are through, which is an achievement in itself.
JC
Roar Rookie
Thanks for the great commentary, Stuart.
TiredOldGit
Roar Rookie
The player stays up where is that shoulder hitting? But the focus on individual responsibility rather than the environment/nature of the game creates is a court room tactic. A lobbyist's tactic, nothing more. Lead in paint? That was the responsibility of parents not having a tidy house. Pollution? That's the individuals carbon footprint - buy a keep cup. Brain injuries in rugby? Players need to be in the right body position in a micro second even though the game is bodies flying at each other at speed. "Your honour, we gave out red and yellow cards - it's not the administrators fault, it's the players".
Ozrugbynut
Roar Rookie
Thanks for the coverage Stuart! That sure was frustrating and nerve shredding at times.
Ozrugbynut
Roar Rookie
Great stuff Wallaroos, toughed it out at the end. Plenty to work on and a lot of lateral play with some discipline issues again but some great stuff.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Thanks for being on board for the match and be sure to stick with the Roar for the remainder of the day for all the rugby, cricket, football and league action. Today was the Wallaroos day and the Welsh will rue plenty of wasted opportunities. Wallaroos…………………..13 Wales…………….….………7
Stuart Thomas
Expert
FULL-TIME The Wallaroos are into the quarter-finals, despite a very disjointed display from both teams. The job is done, as unconvincing as it was. Wallaroos…………………..13 Wales…………….….………7
Stuart Thomas
Expert
FULL-TIME McKenzie kicks the ball out of play and the match is won. The Wallaroos have held on in a dour affair in Wharangei. Wallaroos…………………..13 Wales…………….….………7
Stuart Thomas
Expert
80' Australia have it. McKenzie is tackled. PENALTY AUSTRALIA as the siren sounds. Wallaroos…………………..13 Wales…………….….………7
Stuart Thomas
Expert
80' Australia find the line. They need the line-out ball and then to kill the ball after the siren sounds. Wallaroos…………………..13 Wales…………….….………7
Wal_S
Roar Rookie
Piper duck take a bow - fantastic performance!
Atlas
Roar Rookie
Wales - last week losing 12-56; improved today though, I'd expected Wallaroos by a bigger scoreline. But 'a win's a win'.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
79' Wales take the kick-off and Newman has it. Now Joyce on the other side of the ground as they shift the ball. PENALTY AUSTRALIA!!!!!! Duck with a great defensive effort. Wallaroos…………………..13 Wales…………….….………7
Stuart Thomas
Expert
78' Cramer makes no mistake and the Wallaroos finally hit the scoreboard in the second half. Wallaroos…………………..13 Wales…………….….………7
Dragica Miljanovic
Guest
we finish 2 whom we might play next
Stuart Thomas
Expert
78' Cramer will come in to take the shot for goal. Wallaroos…………………..10 Wales…………….….………7
Stuart Thomas
Expert
77' Australia secure the line-out and earn the PENALTY soon after. TAKE THE SHOT!!!!!! Wallaroos…………………..10 Wales…………….….………7
Stuart Thomas
Expert
76' McKenzie finds the line well and Australia move to near the Welsh 22. Wallaroos…………………..10 Wales…………….….………7