Women’s Rugby World Cup: Australia vs USA, South Africa Surprises and More Thrills

Summary of Week 2 of the Women’s Rugby World Cup

The second week of the Women’s Rugby World Cup gave us intense emotions and unexpected results. The 31-31 draw between Australia and the United States was a match for the history books, while South Africa achieved a surprising victory against Italy. Currently, there is only one spot available for the quarterfinals, which will be played between Australia and the United States. England, Scotland, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, France, and South Africa have already secured their place in the next phase. The suspense continues in the final week, with much at stake to define the quarter-final matchups.

The Australia vs. United States Duel

Following the tie between Australia and the United States, the uncertainty about who would advance to the next round generated anticipation. However, the possibilities are clear. The United States needs a bonus-point win against Samoa in the next match to have a chance of qualifying. Australia, for its part, will secure its place if it gets a bonus point, regardless of the United States’ result.

In the event that Australia loses without obtaining a bonus point and the United States does get one, the point difference will be the deciding factor.

Desiree Miller will be key for Australia, who needs four tries against England. The pressure is on Australia, who needs to get a good result against England to advance. It will be a difficult challenge, as England is a relentless team.

Ilona Maher and Her Impact

Ilona Maher proved her worth against Australia, being a key player in the team. Her powerful game with the ball, the meters gained after contact, and her performance in the breakdowns, winning three turnovers, were fundamental.

Ilona Maher won three turnovers for the United States against Australia Despite his outstanding performance, Maher’s disappointment after the result was evident.

We were fighting, and then we got ahead near the end, and then they scored again.

Ilona Maher

The player expressed her frustration at the errors that prevented the victory.

England and the National Team

England prefers to distance itself from the idea of having two different starting teams in the World Cup. However, after two matchdays, it is likely that 14 of the 15 starters for the knockout stages will be the same.

John Mitchell, the coach, bases his decisions on the knowledge accumulated since he took office in May 2023, as well as on the players’ performance. The main tactical decision lies on the wings, with Jess Breach and Claudia Moloney-Macdonald competing for a spot. Breach stood out against Samoa, scoring three tries. Moloney-Macdonald also performed well. Mitchell’s choice for the wingers against Australia will be crucial. It is expected that he will protect some key players, such as Meg Jones, who has been a starter in both matches. The decision on who will accompany Abby Dow on the wings will be key to defining England’s best team.

South Africa Makes History

South Africa starred in one of the most emotional moments of the tournament by qualifying for the knockout phase for the first time, after defeating Italy 29-24.

The joy and celebration were overflowing after this historic achievement. In the next matchday, South Africa will face France to define the first place of Group D.

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and the Records

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe became New Zealand’s top try scorer, surpassing Doug Howlett’s record. Woodman-Wickliffe, who came out of retirement, was seeking his third consecutive world title and added a new achievement to his career.

The Future of Rugby

The future of rugby looks promising with young talents like Caitlyn Halse and Braxton Sorensen-McGee, who have stood out in their respective teams.

Braxton Sorensen-McGee scores a hat trick against Japan. Halse and Sorensen-McGee, both 18 years old, have shone on the world stage. Sorensen-McGee scored a hat trick against Japan, while Halse contributed two tries to keep Australia in the game against the United States. Halse, nicknamed ‘the Girl’ in Australia, has been fundamental to the team with four tries. Sorensen-McGee has become one of the most impressive offensive threats for the All Blacks.

This week’s highlights:

South Africa’s historic achievement.

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