The Wallaroos have got one up on their World Cup pool opponents the USA, beating the Eagles 27-19 in Canberra on Saturday evening to get their Pacific Four Series up and running.
But what should have been a victory to saviour was somewhat overshadowed by some ugly scenes in the final couple of minutes as Eagles centre Alev Kelter was sent off for stomping.
The Olympic bronze medallist, who helped deny Tim Walsh’s Australian side a craved medal in Paris, was tackled low by Georgina Friedrichs.
Alev Kelter was sent off for stomping during the USA’s loss to the Wallaroos at GIO Stadium on May 17, 2025. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
What should have been a regulation tackle however quickly escalated as Kelter lashed out at her counterpart, stomping on Friedrichs’ head on several occasions as the experienced Wallaroo hung on to her legs.
Some push and shove occurred moments later, before referee Aimee Barrett-Theron said she had no choice but to send the experienced player off.
“Twelve blue is going to get a permanent red card,” Barrett-Theron said.
“She’s clearly stamped on the head of the Australian player. That’s reckless, that’s dangerous and she’s going off.
Despite the ugly ending, the Wallaroos had much to celebrate by taking down the Eagles by eight points.
One year earlier the Wallaroos lost all three of their Pacific Four Series fixtures, including to the Eagles in Melbourne, but despite some clear issues remaining at the set-piece, the women in gold had too much for their North American opponents.
“We’re fronting up physically and I feel like that’s something we found challenging last year, but you can see that we can definitely front up,” said Wallaroos skipper Siokapesi Palu.
The Wallaroos celebrate their victory over the United States of America. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
Sevens convert Charlotte Caslick scored her first five-pointer for the Wallaroos, veteran forward Ash Marsters grabbed a double and damaging tight-head prop Eva Karpani also got on the scoreboard.
The Wallaroos were by no means perfect though, with Eagles forward Hope Rogers bagging a hat-trick to once again expose the home side’s frailties in tight.
“We’re really happy for the win because it’s a Test match and these are the games that we need to win, but are we happy with the performance? Aspects of it, but we definitely let ourselves down in key areas where we didn’t quite execute but we can build on that,” Yapp said.
“We’ll be disappointed with some of the lineout because we had really good field position.”
While the Wallaroos won’t win the Pacific Four Cup, the victory over the USA could prove to be a significant one give the two sides will meet in this year’s World Cup in England.
“Confidence wise it’s really important but having said that there’s a lot of rugby between now and the World Cup,” Yapp said.
