Australia’s women’s rugby union team faced another international setback, but only after a last-minute try from Wales sealed their 31-24 defeat at Newport’s Rodney Parade.
The Wallaroos had previously endured a 36-10 loss to Ireland in Belfast on Saturday, but they showed significant improvement on Friday night (Saturday AEST), matching the home side for much of the dramatic contest. However, with the game tied at 24-24, Kate Williams scored from close range in the final moments, securing a memorable victory for the hosts, their first in seven attempts against Australia.
In a tightly contested first half, Maya Stewart, the Wallaroos’ flying wing, scored for the second international in a row, and Welsh captain Keira Bevan also crossed for a try. Australia had a solo effort from Ashley Marsters disallowed after replays showed the hooker was ahead of the ball at the breakdown, resulting in a 7-7 halftime score.
After the break, Wales’ Molly Reardon scored twice, either side of a try from Australia’s full-back Caitlyn Halse, who celebrated her 18th birthday just two days prior. Wales flanker Alisha Joyce-Butchers scored a try that seemed to seal the match for Wales, but powerful No 8 Tabua Tuinakauvadra responded quickly for the visitors. When Arabella McKenzie converted calmly for Australia with three minutes remaining, it appeared the Wallaroos would secure at least a hard-fought draw.
However, Wales launched a final series of pick-and-gos, and Williams’ try in the dying seconds secured a historic win for the home side, much to the delight of the crowd. The Australians will have a swift opportunity for revenge when the teams meet again in their WXV2 opener in Cape Town in eight days’ time.
