Australia, USA post first wins at women’s Rugby World Cup
- US captain Kate Zachary said her team lifted to another level when they realised what was at stake after a modest first-half display
- Australia held their nerve against Scotland after losing both of their hookers to red cards in the closing stages
Australia and the United States logged their first wins at the women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand on Saturday, leaving Scotland and Japan staring at the prospect of elimination from the tournament.
In pool matches which involved four teams beaten in the opening round last week, Australia held on with 13 players to beat Scotland 14-12 while the US also overcame a halftime deficit to see off Japan 30-17.
The results leave Scotland needing to upset hosts New Zealand in the final round next week to have any chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals from pool A, while Japan will face the same scenario against pool B rivals Italy.
The little-fancied Japanese threatened a major upset when they led the US 5-3 at halftime, helped by an early try to outstanding halfback Megumi Abe.
They were still two points ahead with 25 minutes remaining but could not hold out the Eagles, who crossed the try-line four times through Joanne Kitlinski, Elizabeth Cairns, Jennine Detiveaux and inside centre Alev Kelter, who stood out with her powerful running.
US captain Kate Zachary said her team lifted to another level when they realised what was at stake after a modest first-half display.