Big Aussie win sees them into WXV1

It was the perfect response after last week's heavy defeat to the Black Ferns, with Australia ruthless in a nine-try victory

The win was set up by a dominant first half by the forwards, led by player of the match Eva Karpani who finished with a double.

It set the platform for the backs to shine as winger Maya Stewart crossed for a second-half hat-trick.

The win boosts Australia into third on the Pacific Four standings, all but securing their place in the top division of this year's WXV competition.

“The girls have worked really hard to drive the standards ourselves and expect better of each other, challenging each other to do better and I think that showed today,” captain Michaela Leonard said.

“Turning around from a 50-0 loss isn’t easy but that was Australian grit. just grinding out for the whole 80. The girls didn’t give up and that’s what we are all about as a country and team.”

Flanker Ash Marsters sparked the attack when she snatches an intercept from a USA line out in the tenth minute, putting the side in prime field possession.

Backrow partner Grace Hamilton took advantage at the back of the rolling maul, diving over for the opening try.

The rolling maul had considerable success in the first half, setting up their second seven minutes later when Eva Karpani barged over the line.

Whilst Evelyn Ashenbrucker hit back for the Americans, Karpani was bumping off tacklers at will and eventually crossed for her second under the posts.

The maul onslaught continued when hooker Adiana Talakai pealed off and slammed the ball down, giving them a commanding 27-5 lead at the break.

The Wallaroos maintained their pressure and blew the Americans out in the second half.

Winger Maya Stewart started the period of dominance with a great try in the corner.

Jennine Detiveaux got one back for USA, only for Jay Tregonning’s side to produce a ruthless display of Rugby.

They scored three tries in the space of six minutes as Wong got in on the action before Stewart cross for her second.

Vice-captain Georgina Friedrichs powered over the line to bring up the half century as the Aussies cruised away with the victory.

Detiveaux’s second couldn’t spoil the performance as Stewart completed her hat-trick with three minutes to go as the Wallaroos sealed the win in style

The win all-but guarantees Australia a spot in WXV1, as the USA now have to beat New Zealand by a substantial margin next week.

WALLAROOS 58

TRIES: Hamilton, Karpani 2, Talakai, Stewart 3, Wong, FriedrichsCONS: Smith 4/6, Cramer 0/2, McKenzie 1/1PENS: Smith 1/1

USA 17

TRIES: Ashenbrucker, Detiveaux 2CONS: Hawkins 1/3

WALLAROOS v USA TEAMS

WALLAROOS (1-15): Bree-Anna Cheatham, Adiana Talakai, Eva Karpani, Michaela Leonard (c), Kaitlan Leaney, Ashley Marsters, Emily Chancellor, Grace Hamilton, Layne Morgan, Arabella McKenzie, Ivania Wong, Cecilia Smith, Georgina Friedrichs, Maya Stewart, Lori Cramer

Replacements: Tania Naden, Emily Robinson, Bridie O'Gorman, Sera Naiqama, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Jasmin Huriwai, Trileen Pomare, Alana Elisaia

USA (1-15): Catie Benson, Kathryn Treder, Keia Mae Sagapolu, Evelyn Ashenbrucker, Hallie Taufoou, Paluvava’u Freda Tafuna, Georgie Perris-Redding, Rahcel Johnson, Taina Tukuafu, McKenzie Hawkins, Lotte Clapp, Eti Haungatau, Kate Zackary (c), Jennine Detiveaux, Tess Feury

Replacements: Jett Hayward, Charli Jacoby, Mona Tupou, Rachel Ehrecke, Tahlia Brody, Carly Waters, Joanne Fa’avesi, Meya Bizer

Referee: Julianne Zussman (RC)

Assistant Referees: Shanda Assmus (RC) and Kristine Lovatt (RC)

TMO: Andrew Hosie (RC)