Australia’s women’s rugby union team suffered another international defeat but only after a late, late try from Wales consigned them to a 31-24 loss at Newport’s Rodney Parade.
The Wallaroos had been coming a humbling 36-10 defeat by Ireland in Belfast on Saturday, but they were far sharper on Friday night (Saturday AEST) as they matched the home side for the most part in a dramatic contest.
However, with the game tied at 24-24, Kate Williams crashed over from close range with the last attack of the night to give the hosts a famous victory, their first in seven attempts over Australia.
In a closely-fought first half, Maya Stewart, the Wallaroos’ flying wing scoring for the second international in a row, and Welsh captain, Keira Bevan, had both gone over for tries.
Australia then had a fine solo effort from Ashley Marsters ruled out after replays showed the hooker had been in front of the ball at the breakdown, meaning the sides went in at half-time locked at 7-7.
After the break, Wales’ Molly Reardon then scored twice, either side of a try for Australia’s full-back Caitlyn Halse, two days after her 18th birthday.
Wales flanker Alisha Joyce-Butchers scored a try that looked to have put the match beyond Australia, but the powerful No 8 Tabua Tuinakauvadra quickly ploughed over in response for the visitors. When Arabella McKenzie then converted nervelessly for Australia with three minutes remaining, it looked as if the Wallaroos would get at least a hard-earned draw.
It was not to be, as Wales went for the jugular with one last series of pick-and-gos, eventually grabbing their historic win with the clock in the red when Williams piled over much to the joy of the home crowd.
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The Australians will get a quick shot at revenge in eight days time when the teams meet again in their WXV2 opener in Cape Town.
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