The Wallaroos secured a hard-fought 33-26 victory over South Africa, setting the stage for a clash against Scotland for the WXV 2 title in Cape Town. Jo Yapp’s team started strong, quickly building a 21-5 advantage within the first 15 minutes. Despite having opportunities to further increase their lead before halftime, they were hindered by errors and the tenacity of the South African team, who kept the match competitive.
Tries from Maya Stewart and Desiree Miller appeared to push the Wallaroos ahead, but a late rally from South Africa added tension to the game. The home team scored twice in quick succession, creating a nail-biting finale as they sought an equalizer.
Ultimately, Ash Marsters emerged as the standout performer, making a vital steal on the goal line and matching the record for the most caps by an Australian player. This win places Australia at the top of the WXV 2 standings, as they prepare to face Scotland next Sunday for the championship.
The match began with a frenetic pace, reminiscent of the Wallaroos’ previous game against Wales. Coach Jo Yapp commented on the atmosphere, noting that the Springboks brought a physically demanding game that challenged her players throughout the entire match. She acknowledged that the first half featured missed opportunities and tries that were disallowed, which allowed South Africa to stay in contention.
Yapp expressed pride in her team’s resilience and teamwork, highlighting their commitment to each other, which is pivotal in high-pressure situations.