Women’s Rugby World Cup: Stunning Australia secure a massive win

from Scrumqueens:

Australia stunned the third day of the Women’s Rugby World Cup with a superb 62-0 win over South Africa. The victory meant that Canada’s chances of getting to the semi-final were dashed with Australia taking the final place.

Australia 62 South Africa 0

By John Birch

On paper this appeared an interesting, even unpredictable, match up. In practice Australia overwhelmed their noticeably less experienced opponents.

South Africa are a talented and exciting team with plenty of potential, but the problem they faced was that their style of play was exactly the same as Australia – and Australia were far better at it. The South Africans actually appeared to have a small advantage in the forwards, but seemed unable to do anything with it. Instead they ran with the ball and attacked whenever it came to hand… and Australia ate it up.

Within 25 minutes they had the bonus point in the bag, despite some good work from South Africa in defence– especially by wing Phumeza Gadu . When South Africa have ball in hand they are fast and exciting, but once attack broke down there was often no-one covering back for the Australian kicks, and they had problems dealing with the strong countering from their opponents.

At the break it was 31-0, and within 15 minutes the score had reached 50. A semi-final place for Australia now beckoned. 56 points was the target. Another try took the score to 55-0 – one more try would do it, and half of the second half remained. But South Africa showed no signs of giving up and the threat of a breakaway score – especially by the fantastically quick Gadu – remained.

The clock ticked on – by the score remained stubbornly at 55-0. Aussie Cobie Morgan then broke through with the clock already showing 40 minutes… and dropped the ball over the line! The game was now into injury time. Then, after a long break for an injury to South Africa’s Charmain Kayser, the Australians finally broke through. Sharni Williams scored under the posts, Nicole Beck converted… and the whistle went. And Australia were through to the semi-finals! Cue wild celebrations…

See HERE for the match details