Wallaroos and Eagles draw 31-31 to keep World Cup hopes alive

Australia and the United States played out a dramatic 31 all draw on Saturday at York Community Stadium, leaving both teams still alive but no closer to an assured place in the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinals. The Wallaroos and the Eagles traded five tries apiece in a see saw contest that will now leave qualification scenarios to be decided in the final round of pool matches next weekend.

Australia led 14 5 at halftime after tries from Desiree Miller and 18 year old Caitlyn Halse, but the Americans fought back in the second half, outscoring the Wallaroos 26 17. American flanker Freda Tafuna scored a hat trick to keep the Eagles in the contest, while Miller and Halse each finished with doubles for Australia. Replacement prop Eva Karpani crashed over with five minutes remaining to level the scores, but Wallaroos scrumhalf Sam Wood missed the conversion that would have sealed victory and an immediate quarterfinal berth.

Coach Jo Yapp cited indiscipline as the key factor in Australia relinquishing control. On reflection she said the team felt "a bit disappointed, a bit flat" and that a poor penalty count had "allowed them access to our half." Co captain Emily Chancellor echoed...