Women’s Rugby World Cup: Epic USA vs Australia clash and more drama!

The Women’s Rugby World Cup desperately needed a match that would keep fans on the edge of their seats. After lopsided results and little excitement so far, the fans longed for something to captivate them. Australia and the United States met expectations on Saturday, with a 31-31 draw that not only entertained the crowd in York, but also keeps the excitement in Group A for the final round. England is already qualified, but anything could happen when the host country faces Australia and the United States plays Samoa next week.

United States coach Sione Fukofuka described the result as “bittersweet”, while his Wallaroos counterpart, Jo Yapp, expressed her “frustration”. Some players fell to their knees at the final siren, others seemed bewildered. The crowd, silent after 80 minutes of shouting and cheering, simply applauded, thanking the players for the phenomenal spectacle. Australia, with a 9-point lead 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 give up” attitude kept them in the fight. Penalties hurt Australia and, in retrospect, they will know that greater discipline could have given them the victory.

I feel like we lost.

Emily Chancellor, co-captain of Australia

The match has set the stage for more drama next week, with both teams still having a chance to qualify for the quarter-finals. The United States needs a bonus-point win over Samoa, while Australia also needs a bonus point, which is awarded for scoring four or more tries, regardless of the result, against England. If the United States does its part and Australia loses without getting a bonus point, the point difference will decide the outcome. After several lopsided results and predictable matches, the tournament has come alive after Saturday’s clash in York.

The United States star, Ilona Maher, acknowledged the emotion of the spectacle that she and her teammates offered.

I think we gave them a great game and I think it’s great to see.

Ilona Maher

The challenge now for both teams is to prepare for a final effort next week. The United States plays first, next Saturday, followed by Australia. If the drama of Saturday in York is repeated, it will be another epic afternoon.