The Wallaroos secured a tight 33-26 victory over South Africa, setting up a clash with Scotland for the WXV 2 title in Cape Town. Jo Yapp’s team started strong, establishing a 21-5 lead within the first 15 minutes. Despite having opportunities to extend their advantage before halftime, the Wallaroos faced a resilient South African side that capitalized on their mistakes.
Tries from Maya Stewart and Desiree Miller seemed to give Australia a comfortable lead, but South Africa mounted a late comeback with two tries that made for a thrilling finish. In a crucial moment, Ash Marsters emerged as the hero, making a key steal on their line while also tying the record for most caps by an Australian player.
This victory places Australia at the top of the WXV 2 standings, and they will meet second-place Scotland next Sunday to determine the overall champion. The match began with high energy, reminiscent of the Wallaroos’ intense performance against Wales in the previous game.
Post-match, coach Jo Yapp praised the atmosphere and intensity brought by the Springboks, acknowledging the physical challenge they posed throughout the match. Yapp noted that their first-half opportunities showed promise, but disallowed tries due to grounding errors kept South Africa in contention.
She expressed pride in her team’s determination to fight back and secure the win, highlighting the collective effort and commitment of the players as key factors in their success.