Helen Nelson competes for Scotland
| Scotland: (12) 12 |
| Try: Skeldon, penalty try |
| Australia: (0) 14 |
| Try: Sharpen, Marsters |
| Conversions: Kramer 2 |
Scotland suffered a second Rugby World Cup defeat after a heartbreaking 12-14 loss to Australia in Whangarei.
Bryan Easson’s men led 12-0 at half-time thanks to a Lana Skeldon goal and a penalty attempt, but Australia turned the game around after the break.
Bienne Terita and Ashley Marsters crossed for the Wallaroos, who ended a breathless game with 13 players.
Scotland must now beat New Zealand next Saturday to keep hopes of progressing alive.
Scotland started strong, led by fantastic defensive work from Emma Orr and Molly Wright, and after kicking a penalty in the corner saw Skeldon lunge forward for their second attempt of the World Cup.
Australia struggled to find any rhythm in the opening games. Poor exits and an inability to consistently break the payline were direct consequences of Scotland’s defensive discipline.
A period of continued pressure on the Australian try line then saw Scotland extend their lead. Australian hooker Adiana Talakai illegally stopped another ominous rolling maul and referee Lauren Jenner marched under the post to award a penalty before sending Talakai into the sin trap as well.
A searing 50-yard break from Eva Karpani sent Australia into the Scotland 22 just before half-time, but Scotland held their ground and went into the break with a deserved 12-0 lead.
Jay Tregonning’s team improved as the second half began, led by some big carries from Karpani. However, more tenacious defensive work from the Scots and a series of handling errors ensured they remained goalless.
However, it only takes so long for possessions and territory to convert into points, and Australia sat on the board after an hour. Terita sauntered into the corner after a series of stages at the Scotland 22.
Terita was then lucky not to see a card of any suit after a high tackle on Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm and the impressive winger made the most of her reprieve.
She broke a couple of tackles to take Australia deep into Scottish territory and in the game’s ensuing passage Marsters outweighed to score. Lori Cramer overturned conversion to put Australia ahead for the first time
Australia were reduced to 14 players after Marsters were sent off for a dangerous tackle and were then forced to play the final stages with just 13 – Talakai saw red after several penalties were missed against Scotland.
With their numerical lead, Scotland threw it all at Australia in the closing stages but failed to get the result that would have secured a famous win.
“It’s pretty tough,” Malcolm said after the game. “From an offensive point of view we showed a lot more than last week. I’m really pleased with the effort and attitude of the girls today. Our defense kept us in the game but it’s heartbreaking not being able to finish the task.”
Scotland: Chloé Rollie; Rhona Lloyd, Emma Orr, Lisa Thomson, Hannah Smith, Helen Nelson, Caity Mattinson; Molly Wright, Lana Skeldon, Christine Belisle, Emma Wassell, Sarah Bonar, Rachel Malcolm (Capt), Rachel McLachlan, Jade Konkel.
Substitute: Jodie Rettie, Leah Bartlett, Elliann Clarke, Lyndsay O’Donnell, Mairi McDonald, Sarah Law, Evie Wills, Shona Campbell.
Australia: Lori Cramer; Bienne Terita, Georgina Friedrichs, Sharni Williams, Maya Stewart; Arabella McKenzie, Elizabeth Batibasaga; Liz Patu, Adiana Talakai, Eva Karpani, Sera Naiqama, Atasi Lafai, Emily Chancellor, Shannon Parry (Captain), Grace Hamilton.
substitute: Ashley Marsters, Emily Robinson, Bridie O’Gorman, Grace Kemp, Piper Duck, Layne Morgan, Trilleen Pomare, Pauline Piliae-Rasabale.
Referee: LaurenJenner
assistants: Aimee Barrett-Theron, Kat Roche
TMO: Lee Jeffrey
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