Wallaroos survive Japan fightback to claim first win at women’s Rugby World Cup
AUSTRALIA will battle for fifth place at the women’s Rugby World Cup after securing their first win of the tournament over Japan in Ireland.
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AUSTRALIA will battle for fifth place at the women’s Rugby World Cup after they beat Japan to secure their first win of the tournament in Ireland.
The Wallaroos held off a Japanese fightback for a 29-15 victory to secure third place in pool C.
Australia led 19-0 just before halftime at Billings Park after tries from Samantha Treherne, Grace Hamilton and Mahalia Murphy.
Japan got back to within four points with 17 minutes remaining after three tries of their own to set up a tense finale.
The Wallaroos regained their composure as Nareta Marsters crossed, while a second for Treherne in the 72nd minute secured the win.
Australia finished behind France and Ireland in the group and will play the host nation in the fifth-place playoff on Tuesday, with the possibility they finish as low as eighth.
“We can’t make the semi-finals with one pool win, but we still have a lot to play for,” Australian coach Paul Verrell said.
“We’ll head to Belfast with the goal of finishing as highly ranked as we possibly can to ensure we can compete at the next World Cup. “We also want to continue to build as a team and create a Wallaroos program that girls back home want to be a part of.”
France, who trounced Australia 48-0 in their last match, remained undefeated in the group after beating Ireland 21-5 on Thursday and will play England in the semi-finals.
New Zealand secured a semi-final spot with an eight-try thumping of Canada. The Black Ferns will play the United States for a place in the decider. Canada and Wales will contest the other fifth-place playoff semi-final.
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