The Wallaroos achieved a hard-fought 33-26 victory over South Africa, securing their spot to compete against Scotland for the WXV 2 title in Cape Town.
Under the leadership of coach Jo Yapp, the Australian team started strongly, quickly establishing a 21-5 lead within the first 15 minutes of the match. Despite their early dominance, the Wallaroos struggled to widen the gap before halftime due to errors, while the physical South African team remained in contention.
Tries from Maya Stewart and Desiree Miller seemed to suggest an impending win for Australia, but the hosts rallied with a late surge, scoring two tries in quick succession and putting pressure on the Wallaroos for a possible draw in a tense finish.
In a pivotal moment, Ash Marsters emerged as the hero, securing a vital steal on their goal line while also setting a record for the most caps by an Australian player. This victory positions Australia at the top of the WXV 2 standings, setting up a clash against second-placed Scotland next Sunday to determine the champion.
The match began at a frenetic pace, with the Wallaroos continuing their momentum from their previous game against Wales. Coach Jo Yapp remarked on the tough physical challenge posed by the South African team, noting the intensity they brought throughout the match.
Yapp reflected on the first half, highlighting missed opportunities due to disallowed tries which allowed South Africa to stay competitive. She expressed pride in her team’s resilience and their ability to come together and secure the victory, emphasizing the importance of their collective effort and determination.