The United States and Australia produced the game of the Women’s Rugby World Cup so far as they drew a thrilling Pool A game that leaves both teams still in with a chance of making the quarter-finals.
Australia led 14-5 at half-time in York thanks to tries from their dynamic backs Desiree Miller and Caitlyn Halse.
USA flanker Freda Tafuna crossed for the first of a hat-trick of tries but McKenzie Hawkins failed to add the conversion after taking too long over her kick.
Prop Keia Mae Sagapolu and player of the match Tafuna scored in quick succession as the Eagles fought back to lead early in a pulsating second half.
Rapid left wing Miller, with her fifth try in two games, and a second excellent finish from 18-year-old full-back Halse helped Australia open up a 26-17 lead.
Tafuna completed her hat-trick with another powerful finish from close range, and two minutes later lock Erica Jarrell-Searcy put the USA in front for a second time, sparking jubilant celebrations before Hawkins’ attempted conversion kick bounced off both posts and fell short.
The Wallaroos responded yet again with a try from prop Eva Karpani that brought the scores level with five minutes to play.
Jo Yapp’s side would have snatched victory and a place in the quarter-finals but Samantha Wood missed a relatively simple conversion attempt as the match finished all square.
