Epic Draw at the Women’s Rugby World Cup: Australia and the United States Offer an Unforgettable Spectacle
The Women’s Rugby World Cup needed a match that would keep fans on the edge of their seats. After results with wide differences and little excitement, the fans were clamoring for an encounter that would captivate them.
On Saturday, Australia and the United States met expectations. Their 31-31 tie not only entertained the crowd in York, but also opens the door to excitement in the last round of the group stage.
England is already qualified, but anything can happen when the hosts face Australia and the United States plays Samoa next week.United States coach Sione Fukofuka called the result “bittersweet”, while her Wallaroos counterpart Jo Yapp expressed her “frustration”.
Some players fell to their knees at the final siren, others looked around, not knowing what to do. The crowd, silent after 80 minutes of shouting and cheering, finally applauded, thanking the players for the phenomenal match.
Australia, with a 9-point lead and momentum in their favor at halftime, seemed headed for victory. However, the United States, aware that defeat would mean an early elimination, reacted with two tries in the first 12 minutes of the second half.
Leadership changed hands, momentum swung, and points accumulated. Although the United States led for only six minutes in total, their never-say-die attitude kept them in the fight.
The penalties hurt Australia and, in retrospect, they will know that greater discipline would probably have given them the victory.
“I feel like we lost the game,” said co-captain Emily Chancellor.
Emily Chancellor
The match has generated great expectation for next week, with both teams still with chances to qualify for the quarter-finals. The United States needs a bonus-point win over Samoa, while Australia also needs a bonus point (four tries or more, winning or losing) against England to secure their place.
If the United States does its job and Australia loses without getting a bonus point, the point difference will be decisive.Without a doubt, after several wide results and predictable matches, the tournament has come alive after Saturday’s match in York.
Ilona Maher, a star from the United States, although clearly frustrated after the result, could see the positive aspects of the spectacle that she and her teammates offered.
The challenge now for both teams is to recover to give a final push next week. The United States plays first, next Saturday, followed by Australia.
If we achieve half the drama we experienced in York on Saturday, it will be another epic afternoon.
