WXV2: Australia set up decider with Scotland

South Africa 26-33 Australia

The Wallaroos started in lightning fashion at Athlone Sports Stadium, running in three tries inside the opening 13 minutes.

Flanker Siokapesi Palu scored the first of those, burrowing over from close range, before winger Maya Stewart’s bulldozing run set up centre Georgina Friedrichs to touch down.

Faitala Moleka converted both tries to give Australia an early 14-0 lead but cheered on by Kolisi, the Springbok Women were determined not to be overwhelmed.

South Africa scrum-half Unam Tose charged down an attempted clearance from Caitlyn Halse in the 10th minute before winning the race to the bouncing ball to score.

Australia scored their third try shortly afterwards, prop Eva Karpani showing her speed to canter into a gap and under the posts from 10 metres out.

But again, the hosts refused to buckle and after Wallaroos centre Cecilia Smith knocked on over the line, they got a deserved second try before half-time through Sinazo Mcatshulwa.

Nadine Roos’ conversion cut the deficit to nine points, but Australia ultimately made sure of victory with two tries in seven second-half minutes as Desiree Miller and Stewart went over.

South Africa continued to push, though, and made sure of two bonus points the closing five minutes as Zintle Mpupha and Micke Gunte crossed the whitewash, and Roos converted both.

The hosts even had an opportunity to win it, but the Wallaroos stood firm.