The Wallaroos have been dealt another hammer blow, outgunned 33-12 by the USA in Kansas City.
It was a similar script to last week, dealing with extensive delays before they were camped inside their half for the majority of the game with little chance to attack.
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So what did we learn?
The simple fact of the game is that the Australians never truly neutralised the strength of the USA side, and it cost them.
From 1-15, the USA had quality carries and bursts over the advantage line, dominating territory all game. It forced the Aussies to make over 200 tackles on the night, six days on from a similar display against Canada.
In attack, there were very few post-contact metres, trapped inside their own half as they coughed up the ball in costly players.
It leaves a long flight for the Australians as they return home, preparing for a red-hot New Zealand that dusted up Canada.
Skipper Siokapesi Palu Sekona conceded post-match ill-discipline was their Achilles heel, and she was bang on.
The Wallaroos were constantly on the back foot, drawing a constant flow of penalties.
They conceded the first seven and it was 9-1 right before half-time before the count started to swing before the break.
On top of that, they fell off too many tackles, missing 50 on the night, including several in bunches late.
Teams now have no excuse not to have a wet-weather plan, such is the frequency in the past 12 months.
For the second time in less than 24 hours, lightning forced significant delays for Australian teams, with the NSW Waratahs forced off after 68 minutes against Moana Pasifika.
There was a nearly two-and-a-half-hour delay in this game, meaning the contest didn’t finish until close to 12:30 am local time.
It’s something fans must get used to, with the protocols clear around the stoppage of games.
A pair of past tormenters for the Wallaroos replicated their magic as they powered through the Australians.
Prop Hope Rogers is one of the best in the world from close and was again unstoppable, crossing for a double while causing significant damage at scrum time.
But back-rower Freda Tafuna was the star of the show with 24 carries, 55 post contact metres and five tackle busts.
Her effort alongside Georgie Perris-Redding, who had ten tackle busts, was the difference in this game.
The contrast between the two teams’ performances gave a potential case study of the risks of a global calendar.
The Americans looked way more battle-hardened with the majority of their talent either in England's PWR or well into their domestic season at home. Meanwhile, the Australians are basically working their way into the season fresh out of summer, with just a clash against Fijiana before this Pacific Four series.
Coach Sam Needs and skipper Palu Sekona alluded to it post-match, but the counterargument is that the Kiwis dismantled Canada earlier in the day, with Super Rugby Aupiki still months away.
But it’s an interesting point to consider if the Rugby Championship shifts to February/March as planned, providing the advantage to the Springboks and Los Pumas
