A brave comeback from the Wallaroos came up just short today when they were beaten 16-14 by the USA in the Pacific Four Series in west Auckland.
The Wallaroos pulled back a 16-0 deficit with two tries when riding a strong wind and more decisive play in the final 25 minutes.
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Hooker Ashley Marsters bullocked over for a try off a rolling maul at the 70-minute mark. When fullback Lori Cramer potted the conversion from near the sideline, the Wallaroos knew they had a huge chance.
Replacement centre-flyhalf Arabella McKenzie’s big boot for a 50-22 had already set up the field position for the first strikeback try scored by centre Georgina Friedrichs on 59 minutes.
Another booming kick, this time for 60m, with the strong wind behind her pushed the Wallaroos into the American quarter with three minutes to play at The Trusts Arena.
Unfortunately, replacement hooker Tiarna Molloy’s first lineout throw as a Wallaroo 20m out was a poor one. It gave lock Michaela Leonard little chance to secure the excellent lineout catch she had commanded to initiate the Marsters try.
The Australians still weren’t done and a strong push in a late scrum gave the hint of a turnover of possession. The Americans wound down the clock and celebrated.
The Americans are ranked No.7 in the world so it was a good read on how much the No.6-ranked Australians have to improve to be a top five factor at the Rugby World Cup…
