USA hold off late Wallaroos charge

The USA have held off a valiant Buildcorp Wallaroos second half performance to squeeze through with a 16-14 win at The Trusts Arena in Auckland. 

The Buildcorp Wallaroos were dominated by the US in the first half with territory and possession going completely the American’s way. 

A yellow card to Emily Chancellor due to multiple maul infringements allowed Eagles prop Hope Rogers to crash over the line giving her side a 16-0 lead going into halftime.

Coming into the second half the Buildcorp Wallaroos looked like a different team with the injection of Arabella McKenzie alongside two new front-rowers in Madison Schuck and Eva Karpani. 

The first try for Australia came in the way of a crafty tip ball from Trilleen Pomare that landed in the hands of Georgina Friedrichs who crashed over the line for her first try of the Pacific Four Series. 

The Buildcorp Wallaroos used their maul as a weapon to put pressure on the USA as Ashley Marsters crashed over the line ten minutes to go to set up a grandstand finish.

Some slight mistakes and a few lucky breaks for the USA have hold of possession with only minutes to go, allowing them to hold the ball in close. 

Some strong counter rucks saw Australia get a chance to turn the ball over with a final scrum, however they were not able to secure possession as the USA kicked the ball into touch for a two-point win. 

SCORE:

USA 16 
Tries: Rogers
Cons: Cantorna 
Pens: Cantorna 3

BUILDCORP WALLAROOS 14
Tries: Friedrichs, Marsters
Cons: Cramer 2

TEAMS:
USA (1-15): Hope Rogers, Joanna Kitlinksi, Nick James, Jordan Matyas, Hailie Taufoou, Elizabeth Cairns, Rachel Johnson, Kate Zackary (c), Bridget Kahele, Gabby Cantorna, Jennine Detiveaux, Katana Howard, Alev Kelter, Lotte Clapp, Bulou Mataitoga

RESERVES: Kathryn Treder, Maya Learned, Charli Jacoby, Kristine Sommer, Kathryn Johnson, Carly Waters, Megan Foster, Tess Feury