Wallaroos Denied Breakthrough as Canada Claims Shutout in Sacramento

The Wallaroos produced a disciplined defensive display but ultimately couldn’t upset the world No. 2 ranked Canada side, suffering a 24-0 defeat in their Pacific Four rugby series opener in Sacramento on Sunday.

After back-to-back losses in which they conceded more than 40 points against the Canadians, Australia showed marked improvement in difficult conditions. Thunder and lightning delayed the kickoff by more than an hour, with heavy rain persisting into the opening quarter.

The miserable weather appeared to suit the Australians, who frustrated Canada’s potent attack and kept the defending Pacific Four champions from crossing the try line until the 19th minute. Julia Omokhuale burrowed over from the base of a ruck to give Canada their first opening try.

Australia nearly reached halftime down by just a single try, but a turnover at the 40-minute mark proved costly. Captain Justine Pelletier seized the loose ball, darted through a gap and offloaded to flanker Pam Buisa, who scored to make it 12-0 at the break.

Starved of quality ball and field position due to unforced handling errors, the Wallaroos struggled to build any attacking rhythm. Scrum-half Sam Wood and winger Desiree Wood tried valiantly to spark something, but clean possession proved elusive.

Discipline also let Australia down, with 17 penalties conceded. The situation worsened in the final 10 minutes when centre Celia Smith was yellow-carded for a high tackle and replacement hooker Brittany Merlo followed for a side entry infringement, leaving the Wallaroos with 13 players for the closing stages.

Canada finally made their numerical advantage count in the 66th minute when Asia Hogan-Rochester dotter in the corner. Debutant Kiki Idowu crossed for a fourth try in the 73rd minute, completing the shutout.

Despite the result, skipper Siokapesi Palu Sekona found reasons for optimism. “Although we didn’t get on the scoreboard, we applied a lot of pressure,” she said. “You can see with the scoreboard, there’s a huge shift from that last quarter-final game back at the World Cup.”

New Zealand earlier dispatched USA 48-15 in the tournament’s other opening match. Australia faces the Americans in Kansas City, Missouri, in round two next weekend.