USA eliminated despite 10-try thrashing of Samoa

Pool A of the Women’s Rugby World Cup

USA: (27) 60

Cons: Cantorna 5; Tries: Tafuna 4, Rogers 2, Bargell, Coulibaly, Jarrell, and Ortiz

Despite a remarkable 10-try victory over minnows Samoa, the USA had to leave the pool for the first time to make it to the World Cup.

The USA and Australia finished tied on points in Pool A after winning the tournament on Saturday afternoon, but the winners of the 1991 championship lost in the quarter-final due to points difference.

The Wallaroos finished with a points difference total of +33 in comparison to the Eagles’ +2 following a 47-7 defeat to England later on Saturday.

Without obtaining any additional points, the USA needed to defeat England by 76 or more to advance to the last eight.

After being beaten 69-7 by England in their opening game, the USA team will regret letting a late 31-26 lead slip away against Australia last week.

Freda Tafuna scored four tries for the States in York last week to support her brace against Australia, and Hope Rogers, a prop, added a try.

The Eagles, who were leading 46-0, had Kristin Bitter sent to the sin-bin for ten minutes as a deliberate knock-on, which slowed the USA’s momentum in the 60th minute.

Stathopoulos, Learned, Leatherman, Brody, Perris-Redding, Ortiz, Bitter, and Kelter are the replacements.

Ah-Cheung, Aumua, Pouri-Lane, Vatau, Falaniko, Wright-Akeli, Aiolupotea, Filimaua, Iosefo, Sio, Madisen-Jade, Atonio, Pauaraisa, Fanen-Lolo, Sio, and others are Samoa.

Amber Stamp-Dunstan (Wal) and Holly Wood (Eng) serve as assistant referees.