Severe weather pushed a rugby showdown between Australia and the United States deep into the night in Kansas City, and when play finally began, the Wallaroos found themselves outmatched. The USA won 33-12 in a Pacific Four Series match that kicked off nearly three hours late due to tornado warnings.
Hope Rogers scored twice for the hosts, with the American side running in three consecutive tries in the second half to seal a commanding victory. The decisive stretch came after Australia winger Desiree Miller had briefly narrowed the gap to just two points, but the Wallaroos could not sustain the momentum.
The weather delay capped a rough week for Australia. The squad had sheltered in a hotel hallway earlier in the week during a separate tornado warning, and came into the match fresh off a loss to Canada. Their next challenge comes at home on Anzac Day, when they face New Zealand on the Sunshine Coast.
Australia's problems were mostly self-inflicted. The team gave away nine penalties in the first half and managed just 30 percent possession before the break. Maya Stewart spent time in the sin bin for repeated infractions. Captain Siokapesi Palu Sekona took responsibility after the final whistle.
"We can definitely say that ill-discipline was the reason why we probably weren't able to play the rugby game that we wanted," Palu Sekona said. "Playing a host nation, they're always going to have an advantage in that space, but there's no excuse from our end."
The captain scored Australia's first try after Samantha Wood executed a sharp 50-22 kick to set it up. That cut into an early USA lead established by Rogers, but Georgie Perris-Redding added another American try before halftime to restore breathing room. The second half belonged entirely to the home side.
Australia will need to tighten their discipline and execution before facing New Zealand. The Wallaroos acknowledged the magnitude of the task waiting at home.
Author James Rodriguez: "Discipline wins matches, and Australia handed this one away before the opening kick even happened."
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