Source : ABC NEWS
The Wallaroos have claimed their first win over the United States on home soil, with a 27-19 triumph in Canberra.
Two tries to open side flanker Ashley Marsters guided Australia to the eight-point win, despite the best efforts from American prop Hope Rogers who scored a hat-trick for the Eagles.
The Test match was soured when US inside centre Alev Kelter lost her cool and repeatedly stomped on the head of Wallaroo Georgina Friedrichs.
Friedrichs was holding onto the bootlaces of Kelter, trying to complete a tackle, only for the American to stomp down on her head multiple times.
Kelter was given a straight red card for the brain snap.
The match was beyond doubt when Kelter was sent off in the 79th minute, with the Wallaroos outscoring the Americans four tries to three, claiming their first win in this year’s Pacific Four Series.
The defence of the Wallaroos, especially late on their goal line, proved crucial in the win.
“We just kept fronting up, getting off the line [and] kept making our shorts tackles,” Wallaroos fullback Caitlyn Halse said.
“Very proud of the girls. We’ve been working on that all week.”
The Americans were the first to score, with Hope Rogers coming in from close range in the 15th minute, but Australia answered through winger Charlotte Caslick, scoring her first Test match try.
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A try to Marsters and prop Eva Karpani helped the Wallaroos to a 19-14 half-time lead.
Both sides scored one try in the second half, with a penalty goal from Faitala Moleka extending the margin to eight points with 19 minutes to play.
The Americans had the better of possession and territory throughout the whole match, but errors continued to hamper their momentum.
The US conceded 17 penalties in the match, compared to just seven from Australia.
“I think we were kind of our own worst enemy with some of our faults because we had some great moments of play,” US star Ilona Maher said.
“I feel like at times we did it to ourselves, but [there is] a lot to learn from.”
Australia will face Canada next Friday at Lang Park.
