Pacific Four Series, Ottawa
The Wallaroos demolished the Eagles, to gain their first win over them for two decades. The rest of the world must sit up and take notice.
For a squad so lacking international contests, most of the opposition coming from relentless Kiwis, their standard of play reached remarkable heights.
From the first, the pack had the mastery of their opponents. The line-out too turned strongly in their favour, the Eagles’ throws rarely hitting their mark. That gave them the chance to show off their combined skills: clean off the top, out to midfield, dazzling inter-pssing and the defence didn’t know if it was coming or going. The driving maul too was effective. The writing was on the wall long before the break (the second in fact; the heat of Ottawa demanded water-breaks).
Half-time 27-5
Maya Stewart enjoyed herself thoroughly, running in a hat-trick on the right wing, though she might have preferred not to have 70 metres to run in for one of them, such were the conditions. Later on Bella McKenzie caught the defence out with delicate chips over advancing defenders to open up cavernous gaps where there should be none.
The Eagles did manage to construct enough moves to cross the line three times, but their untidiness and inexperience was shown by the few times they got over the gain-line to develop an attack. They weren’t helped by a scrum-hald who tended to take three steps before releasing the ball. This may have worried the fringe defences to start with – if she going to snipe? – but in the event it meant defenders were too close to the Eagles midfield for comfort.
In stark contrast the Wallaroos made the ball constantly available, support was always on hand, recycling mirrored the efficiency of Black Ferns and Red Roses. The effect was to bring impartial Canadian fans, waiting patiently to see their Maple Leafs appear later, jump to their feet in admiration.
In the longer term, the outlook is worrying for the USA. Their side is made up of players who shine in the Prem 15s (aka PWR), such as Zackary, Clapp and Johnson; the others compete in an eight- club league at home which entails long-distance travel without the compensation of high-quality rugby.
We still can’t tell why a permanent replacement for Rob Cain has not been appointed. Rich Ashfield stepped in on an interim basis at the start of the year. What is going on? Have there been no applicants? Is the board still assessing whether Ashfield is up to the task? He followed Exeter Chiefs’ policy of putting Kate Zackary in the No 13 shirt. Trouble was, he needed her at No 8 at the same time. No can do.
Result: Australia 58 USA 17 Teams:
Australia
Bree-Anna Cheatham, Adiana Talakai, Eva Karpani, Michaela Leonard (captain), Kaitlin Leaney, Ashley Marsters, Grace Hamilton, Emily Chancellor, Layne Morgan, Arabella McKenzie, Cecilia Smith, Georgina Friedrichs, Ivanaia Wong, Maya Stewart, Lori Cramer
Bench: Tania Naden, Emily Robinson, Bridie O’Gorman, Sera Naiqama, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Jasmin Huriwai, Trilleen Pomare, Alana Elisaia,
USA
Catherine Benson, Kathryn Treder, Keia Mae Sagapolu, Evelyn Ashenbricker, Hallie Taufoou, Freda Tafuna, Georgia Perris-Redding, Rachel Johnson, Taina Tukuafu, McKenzie Hawkins, Lotte Clapp, Eti Haungatau, Kate Zackary, Jennine Detiveaux, Tess Feury
Bench: Jett Hayward, Charli Jacoby, Mona Tupou, Rachel Ehrecke, Tahlia Brody, Carly Waters, Nana Fa’avesi, Meya Bizer
Officials
Referee: Julianne Zussman (Can)
ARs: Shanda Assmus (Can) and Kristine Lovatt (Can) TMO: Andrew Hosie (Can)
