The Wallaroos failed to overcome a rampaging American side in Melbourne as their slow start to the season continued.
The 32-25 defeat was crushing for the Australians, who had ambitions of WXV 1 and automatic World Cup qualification on their minds.
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So what did we learn?
The Wallaroos will be left wondering what could’ve been after letting a dominant lead disappear.
Memories of last year’s thumping win came flooding back when they raced out to a 17-3 lead before falling off before and after the break.
It gave momentum and confidence to the Americans, unable to find a way through at the end.
The Wallaroos’ dreams of returning to WXV 1 are now in tatters and the heartbreak of the defeat showed after the game.
It means a trip to South Africa beckons for WXV 2 unless they can take down the Kiwis, who are in red-hot form.
The influence of Georgina Friedrichs was crucial in setting up the early lead and momentum for the Australians.
There was a real strategy to take on the midfield early in the game and Friedrichs feasted off the first opportunity to put Desiree Miller over in the opening five minutes.
She produced a similar play to set up Stewart’s try as she caused the Eagles headaches all night. It’s no surprise when the Americans limited the ball she was getting, they started to get on top of the game.
Friedrichs is the key to unlocking the Wallaroos’ attack and will need a similar performance to cause an upset next week against the Black Ferns
Hope Rogers further established herself as an American legend with a game-turning shift.
Rogers is one of the best in the world from inside five metres and she struck twice to flip momentum and get the USA back into the contest.
The loosehead prop worked tirelessly, comfortable leading the way in terms of carries for her side, in a wonderful 78-minute performance.
Ash Marsters was always going to put on a show in front of her home fans.
Marsters is a special player, able to do it all and it showed in the 18th minute when she slotted back into the centres, powering through the defence and stepping the fullback for a great individual try.
Her offload to Maya Stewart was perfect, only to undo her good work when she pulled back the defender. The Melbourne skipper made up for it when she folded around the corner perfectly to set up her winger.
She tried to will Australia home but injured herself in the process, noticeably limping after the game. Coach Jo Yapp will be sweating on her fitness as they prepare to head to New Zealand.
The Americans’ rolling maul changed the game and ultimately delivered the Eagles the victory.
Their dominance deflated the Australians, who had little answer most of the time for the power up front.
It set up their first try of the game and it was the go-to weapon when they wanted to establish territorial control.
This remains a major work-on for the Wallaroos, who met a similar fate against the Canadians
