(Image: Debby Hodgkinson was superb at number 8 for Australia)
Australia 22 France 8
from Scrumqueens: By Ali Donnelly
Australia wrapped up third place at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in a highly entertaining victory over France. A blistering ten minute period in the first half saw the Wallaroos touch down three tries and France were never able to get back into the game.
France made the better start with their power up front making life hard for Australia in the opening exchanges. Aurélie Bailon kicked an early penalty for a 3-0 lead as her pack were gaining the hard hards up front, but Australia were patient. Debby Hodgkinson was a real threat at 8 and her linking with Cheryl Soon at scrumhalf creating lots of space as the Wallaroos felt their way into the game.
When their first score came – it was a spectacular one. Hodgkinson broke a couple of tackles and the ball was spread wide quickly to Kristy Giteau out wide who took on the French defence and then threw a lovely floating pass to centre Cobie Jane Morgan who dotted down.
Australia’s offloading was really impressive with Tobie McGann doing well at flyhalf to set away her quick backs and though France had the bulk up front, Australia were running ball from everywhere.
Their efforts paid off when the managed to outmuscle the bigger French pack with a nice maul and when Cheryl Soon threw a quick pass out to flanker Rebecca Trethowan she dived over in the corner.
Morgan went over again just minutes later- this time Tricia Brown and Beck did the hard work on the break and Morgan provided the power in the middle.
It was all Australia now as they showed off their impressive attacking style of play and fullback Tricia Brown was next to score, under the posts as she sliced through the weak French defence.
The Wallaroos took a 22-3 lead into the halftime break.
The tempo of the match dropped somewhat after the break as both sides made plenty of changes and France struggled to get back into the game. Fullback Elodie Poublan had a few nice breaks but it was stalemate for 20 minutes with neither side able to make any considerable advances.
It was a frustrating second period for the mass of supporters who had turned out as errors and inevitable tiredness crept into both side’s play. France had two players binned for infringements with Marie Charlotte Hebel and Aida Ba carded but they did manage a consolation score when Manon Andre crashed over after a nice maul.
Australia’s third place finish is a very good return for a team more known for their 7s prowess.
