Sydney University Women’s Football Club member Grace Hamilton scored one of the Wallaroo’s five tries in their 29-15 win over Japan in their Women’s World Cup match at University College Dublin yesterday.
Having lost to host nation Ireland and France in their opening two pool matches, the Wallaroos broke the drought in convincing form against Japan, setting up a 19-5 half-time lead and going on with the job in the second half.
Samantha Treherne secured a personal tally of 14-points, crossing for a double and slotting two conversions, while Hamilton, Mahalia Murphy and Nareta Marsters also crossed for tries.
Sydney University’s other Wallaroo, Ashleigh Hewson, was unavailable for selection through injury.
Coach Paul Verrell said the team had put in a lot of work on-and-off the field to ensure they were across the game plan and the style of rugby they wanted to play against Japan and they executed that well.
“It’s pleasing for the team to secure a win after two very tough losses to Ireland and France,” he said.
“We can’t make the semi-finals with one pool win, but we still have a lot to play for. We’ll head to Belfast with the goal of finishing as highly ranked as we possibly can to ensure we can compete at the next World Cup.
“We also want to continue to build as a team and create a Wallaroos program that girls back home want to be a part of. Participation in rugby for females is on the rise off the back of the Sevens success in Rio and we need to ensure the 15s game is just as healthy to provide opportunities for the next generation.”
Australia’s next match will take place on Tuesday, August 22, when they will contest the fifth-place semi-finals. The side will face Ireland for the second time this tournament, with kick-off at 2pm (11:00pm AEST) at King’s Stadium.
