The Wallaroos secured a hard-fought 33-26 victory over South Africa, setting up a clash with Scotland for the WXV 2 title in Cape Town.
Under the guidance of coach Jo Yapp, the Australian team started strong, racing to a 21-5 lead within the first 15 minutes. Despite several opportunities to increase their advantage before halftime, errors and the physicality of the South African team kept the game competitive.
Tries from Maya Stewart and Desiree Miller appeared to edge the Wallaroos toward victory, but South Africa mounted a late comeback, scoring two tries that brought them within striking distance of a draw in a thrilling finish.
Ash Marsters emerged as the key player, making a crucial defensive play on South Africa’s line while tying the record for the most caps by an Australian player. This win places Australia at the top of the WXV 2 standings, with a final showdown against second-place Scotland set for next Sunday.
The match began intensely, reflecting the Wallaroos’ momentum from their previous game against Wales. Coach Jo Yapp acknowledged the challenging nature of the contest, stating, “It was an incredible atmosphere… we always knew that the Springboks would come out really hard at us. They’re a very physical side and they definitely didn’t disappoint.”
Yapp noted the missed opportunities in the first half, particularly the disallowed tries, which allowed South Africa to remain in contention. However, she expressed pride in her team’s resilience and ability to fight back for the victory, emphasizing the camaraderie and determination that drove their performance.