Scotland’s defence of their WXV 2 title ended in heartbreak after a 31-22 defeat to Australia in a winner-takes-all showdown in Cape Town.
Both sides went into their final match at the Athlone Stadium with two wins under their belt, but Scotland ended the game with 13 players and Australia came out on top.
Australia raced into a 21-0 lead in the first 23 minutes with tries from Desiree Miller, Maya Stewart and Cecilia Smith, all converted by fly-half Faitala Moleka.
Scotland hit back after Australia centre Siokapesi Palu was given a yellow card for a high tackle and tries from prop Leah Bartlett and full-back Chloe Rollie, the former’s converted by Helen Nelson, reduced the deficit to 21-12 at the break.
The gap was cut to 21-17 early in the second period when Scotland prop Anne Young burrowed over for an unconverted try.
Scotland’s momentum was then checked by centre Emma Orr’s yellow card for a high tackle, later upgraded to a red, before wing Francesca McGhee’s try put them 22-21 ahead with 10 minutes left.
But after McGhee was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on, Australia regained the lead through Moleka’s 74th-minute penalty and the Wallaroos sealed victory with Ashley Marsters’ late converted try.
The result meant Australia topped the table from Scotland with both teams securing qualification for the Rugby World Cup in England next year. The draw will be made on Thursday with Australia coach Jo Yapp explaining just how proud she was of how her side had delivered three victories in successive weeks in Cape Town over Wales, hosts South Africa and WXV2 holders Scotland.
“We had a challenging start, had very little time together to prepare early on and that time is now starting to show what we can do on the field,” Yapp said. “The way they played and conducted themselves, they really are inspiring and for me, seeing them over the last couple of weeks in South Africa going into schools and engaging with young people, that’s what it’s all about and as people I’m really proud to coach them.”
after newsletter promotion
South Africa saw their slim title hopes ended by a 23-19 defeat to Italy, Beatrice Rigoni kicking two late penalties to take the game away from the hosts.
Italy leapfrogged South Africa on the head-to-head rule to finish third in the final standings. Wales also climbed one place, condemning Japan to sixth as they withstood a second-half comeback to see out a 19-10 win on Friday. Both Italy and Wales also confirmed their place at the World Cup
