The Wallaroos‘ quest for a breakthrough win over Canada ended in a 24-0 defeat, but Australia’s women’s rugby team delivered a markedly improved performance in stormy Sacramento conditions. After conceding over 40 points in their last two meetings against the world No. 2 side, the Wallaroos held Canada scoreless for the first 19 minutes, a stark defensive upgrade.
Lightning delayed the Pacific Four series opener by more than an hour, with heavy rain persisting into the first quarter. The wet weather played to Australia’s advantage, slowing Canada’s typically formidable attack. Julia Omokhuale, the Saracens lock, finally broke through at the 19-minute mark, diving over from the back of a ruck to put Canada up 5-0.
Australia looked set to enter halftime down just one try, but a costly turnover at the 40-minute mark proved decisive. Canadian skipper Justine Pelletier scooped up the loose ball, darted through a gap, and offloaded to flanker Pam Buisa for a 12-0 lead. The Wallaroos struggled to build momentum, starved of possession and field position due to sloppy handling.
Scrum-half Sam Wood and winger Desiree Wood fought valiantly to kickstart the attack, but Australia’s discipline unraveled. The Wallaroos conceded 17 penalties, a critical stat that allowed Canada to control tempo and territory. In the final five minutes, the Aussies played with just 13 players after centre Celia Smith (high tackle) and replacement hooker Brittany Merlo (side entry) both received yellow cards.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Australia’s defense remained steely. Canada, however, broke through in the 66th minute when winger Asia Hogan-Rochester dove across in the corner. Debutant hooker Kiki Idowu sealed the 24-0 shutout with a 73rd-minute try, capping a patient Canadian performance.
Wallaroos captain Siokapesi Palu Sekona highlighted the positives post-match. “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.”
In the other Pacific Four fixture, New Zealand dominated the USA 48-15. The Wallaroos now turn their attention to round two, facing the USA in Kansas City, Missouri, next weekend. With defensive improvements evident but discipline needing sharpening, Australia’s campaign hinges on converting pressure into points.
