Australia and the USA produced a gripping Pool A contest that ended in a dramatic 31-31 draw, leaving the battle for a quarter-final spot wide open. With England already assured of top spot, second place will now be determined by points difference after next weekend’s decisive matches.
The clash was a fierce, see-saw encounter played under grey skies and heavy rain, fitting the uncompromising physicality on display. Both teams delivered a contest full of drama, momentum swings, and high-quality tries that kept the crowd on edge until the final whistle.
The Wallaroos struck early through the electric wing Desiree Miller, who has been in dazzling form all tournament. She crossed twice in the first half, while 18-year-old full-back Caitlyn Halse also powered her way over to give Australia a nine-point lead at the break.
The USA responded with determination. Ilona Maher’s relentless carrying inspired her side, while Freda Tafuna’s powerful presence around the breakdown was rewarded with three tries, although she credited one of them to teammate Hope Rogers. Erica Jarrell-Searcy also forced her way over late on as the Americans surged into a narrow lead.
Just when it seemed the USA might have sealed victory, Australia hit back. Eva Karpani crashed over for a late try, setting up a simple conversion attempt for Samantha Wood that could have snatched the win. But under the pressure, Wood pulled her kick wide, leaving both sides to share the spoils.
The result means qualification hinges on the final round of Pool A fixtures. The USA face Samoa, a side Australia overwhelmed earlier in the tournament, while the Wallaroos must take on group leaders England in Brighton. Points difference is likely to decide who advances to the last eight, adding extra jeopardy to both matches.
For the players, emotions were mixed. Miller, who added her fourth and fifth tries of the competition, admitted frustration that her individual brilliance could not deliver victory. Maher, meanwhile, praised her teammates’ fight and called for an even bigger performance next weekend. Both camps know the stakes: anything less than ruthless execution could mean elimination.
As the tournament enters its decisive phase, Pool A promises one of the most dramatic finishes yet, with Australia and the USA locked in a battle of endurance, skill, and nerve for a place in the quarter-finals.
