The Australian Wallaroos secured a hard-fought victory against the United States, winning 27-19 in a Test match held in Canberra. The win was especially important, being the Wallaroos’ first explained victory over the Americans on home turf. The match showcased a blend of skill and resilience from both teams, with standout performances leading to the Wallaroos’ triumph.
Hope Rogers put the United States up 1-0 in the 15th minute. That slim early margin established the conditions for a hard-fought race! The Wallaroos wasted no time getting to work! Charlotte Caslick had a big impact, scoring her debut Test match try for Australia. The physical match then became a battle of defensive pace and tactics, as each team attempted to outmaneuver the other.
Key Incidents and Performances
The final straw was a straight red card issued to Alev Kelter for stomping on Georgina Friedrichs’ head. This moment was a key inflection point in the game. This one event turned the tide of the game completely. At that instant, Georgina had Hawk Kelter’s bootlaces in a vice-like grip. The Wallaroos made the most of their numerical advantage, demonstrating strong set defensive plays, especially on their goal line. Their commitment to continuing the pressure impressed Caitlyn Halse, who said,
“We just kept fronting up, getting off the line [and] kept making our shorts tackles.” – Caitlyn Halse
Ashley Marsters proved the spark for Australia, scoring two tries as the lead-in to the gold medal match practically belonged to the Australian women. Faitala Moleka had a big role in the match, too, nailing a penalty goal to help lift Australia 34-26.
Penalties and Tactical Decisions
The United States continued its up-and-down discipline pattern throughout the match, giving up 17 penalties to just seven by Australia. This gap in punishment ultimately allowed the Wallaroos to continue holding the match firmly in their grasp. Olympian Ilona Maher, addressing the challenges faced by her team this past summer, noted,
“I think we were kind of our own worst enemy with some of our faults because we had some great moments of play.” – Ilona Maher
Try as they might, the Americans could never get out of their own way. Hope Rogers would score an incredible hat trick, but it wouldn’t be enough to give Hope Rogers’ squad a victory.
Looking Ahead
It’s a win for the Wallaroos! First, they have more to do as they prepare for their quarter-final against Canada next Friday at Lang Park. The team is eager to continue their newly honed success and sharpen their skills as they get ready for 2023 and beyond.
