The Wallaroos secured a hard-fought 33-26 victory over South Africa, setting up a showdown with Scotland for the WXV 2 title in Cape Town.
Under the leadership of Jo Yapp, the Wallaroos showcased their strength early, establishing a 21-5 lead within the first 15 minutes. They had opportunities to widen the gap before halftime, but errors and the physicality of the South African team kept the game competitive.
Key tries from Maya Stewart and Desiree Miller seemed to give Australia a comfortable advantage, but South Africa mounted a late comeback. The hosts scored two late tries, putting pressure on the Wallaroos in a tense finish.
Ultimately, Ash Marsters emerged as the standout player, making a critical steal near the try line while also matching the record for the most caps held by an Australian player. This victory propelled Australia to the top of the WXV 2 standings, setting the stage for their final match against second-placed Scotland next Sunday to determine the champion.
The match began with a frenetic pace, mirroring the Wallaroos’ performance against Wales in the previous game. Post-match, coach Jo Yapp reflected on the intense atmosphere and acknowledged the strength of the Springbok team, noting that they performed consistently throughout the match.
Yapp highlighted that despite missed opportunities, particularly with disallowed tries, the team showed resilience and a strong willingness to fight for the win. She expressed pride in her players’ ability to step up and support one another, underscoring the team’s collective effort as a significant aspect of their success.