USA and Australia settle for a 31-31 draw in York

In one of the most gripping contests of the Women's Rugby World Cup Pool A stage, USA and Australia played out a dramatic 31–31 draw that went down to the wire.

Both sides produced moments of brilliance, with USA’s Freda Tafuna bagging a hat-trick and Australia’s Caitlyn Halse and Desiree Miller each scoring twice in a pulsating encounter.

Australia took early control through Miller, who sliced through the USA defence in the 6th minute to score under the posts. Samantha Wood made no mistake with the conversion to give the Wallaroos a 7–0 lead.

USA responded in the 26th minute with Tafuna crashing over, although the conversion was not added, keeping Australia ahead. Caitlyn Halse added to Australia’s tally just before halftime with a well-timed finish, converted again by Wood to take the score to 14–5 at the break.

The second half opened with fireworks. Keia Mae Sagapolu got USA back into the game with a 45th-minute try, but Hawkins missed the conversion once again. Soon after, Tafuna struck again in the 51st minute, this time Hawkins adding the extras to give USA a narrow lead.

Miller then replied for Australia in the 54th minute with her second of the game, though Wood’s conversion sailed wide keeping Australia's lead to 19-17.

Australia seemed to regain momentum when Caitlyn Halse scored her second try in the 58th minute, and Wood converted to stretch the lead to 26–17. But the USA were far from finished. Tafuna completed her hat-trick in the 67th minute with a stunning finish, and Hawkins’ successful conversion brought the score to 26–24.

The final ten minutes were a rollercoaster. Erica Jarrell-Searcy put USA ahead in the 71st minute with a try, converted cleanly by Hawkins, taking the Americans to a 31–26 lead. But Australia weren’t done yet. With the clock ticking down, Eva Karpani barged over for the equalising try. Wood, however, missed the conversion that could have sealed the win.

The match ended 31–31, leaving both teams with much to reflect on but plenty of positives. For the USA, Tafuna’s performance will be long remembered.

The result meant Australia are at second place in the table with 8 points while USA are at third with three points. England continue to top with 10 points with Samoa yet to open their account and are positioned fourth in Pool A.