USA and Australia play out thrilling World Cup draw

Pool A of the Women’s Rugby World Cup

USA (5) 31

Cons: Hawkins 3; Tries: Tafuna 2, Sagapolu, Rogers, Jarrell

Australia (14) 31

The Women’s Rugby World Cup game between the United States and Australia ended in a thrilling Pool A match in York, which was the result of their efforts.

With the help of powerful prop Freda Tafuna crossing for the USA, Australia had a 14-5 lead at half-time thanks to tries from Desiree Miller and Caitylin Halse’s dynamic backs.

The Eagles quickly responded with goals from Keia Mae Sagapolu and Tafuna as the Eagles battled back early in the second half.

Australia opened up a 26-17 lead with Miller’s fifth try in two games and Halse’s second excellent try from the 18-year-old full-back.

Tafuna, the match’s player, appeared to have scored her hat-trick try, but later claimed Hope Rogers had actually grounded the ball for a try that reduced the deficit to two points.

The USA took the lead two minutes later when Erica Jarrell-Searcy picked up the ball from a ruck and raced over the line.

However, the Wallaroos responded by scoring on Eva Karpani’s try, which raised the score.

To have a chance of reaching the knockout stage next week, both teams must take three points out of the game, two for the draw and one more for getting a try bonus.

In their final match against World Cup winners England in Brighton on Saturday, Australia, knowing that a bonus point would undoubtedly seal their place in the top eight, will take them eight points from two games.

If Australia loses a sizable amount of points to Samoa and manage to surpass the massive 135-point difference between the teams, the USA, who have three points, could make it to the last eight.