Ilona Maher, Eagles Fall Short As Wallaroos Edge Fiery Clash In Canberra
Ilona Maher, Eagles Fall Short As Wallaroos Edge Fiery Clash In Canberra
Ilona Maher and the USA fell 27-19 to the Wallaroos in Canberra, as Charlotte Caslick starred and Alev Kelter saw red for a late stomp in a heated finish.
Rugby sevens star Charlotte Caslick made a memorable debut in Wallaroos colors on Saturday, scoring her first try in the 15-a-side game, as Australia overcame the United States 27-19 in a Pacific Four Series match marred by a late red card for a violent head stamp.
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The Wallaroos, rebounding from last week’s loss to New Zealand, turned in a composed performance to outlast the physical Eagles, who were led by a dominant hat trick from powerhouse prop Hope Rogers.
But the final moments of the match at Canberra’s GIO Stadium were overshadowed by a shocking act of foul play from U.S. center Alev Kelter.
Kelter, a three-time Olympian and bronze medalist in sevens at the Paris Games, was sent off in the closing minutes after stamping repeatedly on the head of Wallaroos center Georgina Friedrichs.
Referee Aimee Barrett-Theron labeled the act “thuggery” and issued a straight red card after reviewing the footage.
The Wallaroos had seized control in the first half after conceding an early try to Rogers.
Caslick, finding plenty of ball on the wing, sparked the turnaround with a try in the 21st minute, backing up a strong run from captain Siokapesi Palu. Her deft grubber kicks in traffic also showed flashes of the creativity that made her a star in sevens.
Ashley Marsters was the standout performer, crossing twice - first off a quick tap near the line, and later from a well-executed line-out move that extended the lead to 24-14 after the break.
Prop Eva Karpani continued her strong form, powering over for her second try in as many matches late in the first half.
Despite Rogers completing her hat trick and dragging the Eagles within a converted try, Australia controlled territory down the stretch.
Fly-half Faitala Moleka coolly slotted a long-range penalty to stretch the lead to eight with 10 minutes remaining.
USA’s hopes of a late comeback were snuffed out when Kelter, frustrated and under pressure, lashed out at Friedrichs, who had clung to her leg after a tackle. The red card capped a disappointing night for the visitors, who will now face potential disciplinary sanctions for their veteran center.
Australia coach Jo Yapp praised Caslick’s debut but made it clear the Olympic champion isn’t a long-term solution on the wing.
“It’s no secret we lost two of our wingers … but Charlotte learns best on the field,” Yapp said. “She’s been working incredibly hard, and we saw that pay off today.”
The Wallaroos, now 2-1 in their test season, secured their first win of the Pacific Four campaign after a commanding opening victory in Fiji and a setback against the Black Ferns. They’ll face Canada next Friday in Brisbane.
Scoring
Wallaroos 27
Tries: Caslick, Marsters (2), Karpani. Conversions: Moleka (2/4). Penalties: Moleka (1/1), Cramer (0/1).
USA 19
Tries: Rogers (3). Conversions: Hawkins (2/3).
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