Wallaroos make it back to back wins in IRB Women's Rugby World Cup

Wed, Aug 6, 2014, 7:30 AM
AAP
by AAP

The Wallaroos have made it back to back wins in the IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup after defeating Wales 25-3 on Wednesday morning (AEST) in Paris.

The brutal encounter between the two sides saw the Wallaroos maintain their clean sheet defensively, as no try has been scored against the Australians in 160 minutes of Rugby.

The real test for the Wallaroos will come Sunday 10 August (4.45am AEST) when the Wallaroos play Women’s Six Nations Champions, France.

Wallaroos head coach, Paul Verrell was satisfied with the performance of his charges.

“We did really well defensively throughout that match.

“Wales were really aggressive at the breakdown and we had to work hard to maintain our possession.

“I was impressed with our backs creating attacking opportunities, however I feel that we are yet to reach our full attacking potential in this World Cup-which is an exciting prospect.

“Taking on and winning against France is our next challenge and one we are very much looking forward to.”

Australian Captain Shannon Parry echoed Verrell’s comments.

“At the end of the day we know that the best chance of progression is to top our pool.

“We have a tough test coming against France but if we want to progress, that’s what we have to do.”

Australia started the match well put pressure on Wales from the kick off, as Wales lost possession almost immediately after a strong Australian start.

Australia knew early they would have a battle with the Welsh scrum competing strongly with Australia’s. However the wallaroos maintained possession and were able to take a 3-0 lead through the boot of Ashleigh Hewson.

A daring run from scrumhalf Nita Maynard placed Australia in an excellent attacking position in the 14th minute of the match.

The Wallaroos continued to place pressure on the Welsh defence until Sharni Williams ran an excellent line off the pass of flyhalf, Tui Ormsby to score a well-executed try.

Australia’s lead extended to 10-0 after Hewson made the easy conversion.

An excellent Welsh scrum put pressure on the Wallaroos set piece, however some excellent defence from the Wallaroos pushed back the brief push by the women in red into the Australian defensive zone.

It wasn’t long until Australia’s classy backs were able to shine again with Cobie-Jane Morgan sending a wide pass to the flying Tricia Brown who scored in the corner. Hewson’s conversion meant Australia’s lead extended to 17-0.

The score would remain at 17-0 at half time despite Australia attacking Wales through the middle of the field for several phases.

The start of the second half saw an increase in pace for both sides as each team traded possession frequently, however it Wales that dominated possession and territory.

The defence of the Wallaroos continued to hold out Wales and eventually the Australian forwards were able to regain possession and put the women in gold in an attacking position.

The Wallaroos backs once again displayed their attacking flair with the combination of Tui Ormsby and Australian Seven’s star, Cobie-Jane Morgan combining at pace to put Tricia Brown over for the Wallaroos third try and extended Australia’s lead to 22-0.

Wales’ efforts at the set piece did not go unrewarded and Centre Robyn Wilkins converted a penalty to give the Welsh their first points of the match.

In what was often a fierce contest, Wales was unable to match Australia’s intensity at the breakdown which led to some frustrations for the Welsh defenders.

Australia continued to attack Wales’ line but the Welsh defence countered the fast Wallaroos’ attack with solid defence.

Australia’s next match of the tournament is against host nation, France and will be broadcast live on FOX SPORTS 1HD & 1 on Sunday 10 August at 4.45am.

Australia 25 tries; Sharni Williams, Tricia Brown 2 cons; Ashleigh Hewson 2 pens Ashleigh Hewson 2; defeated Wales 3 pens; Robyn Wilkins

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