Australia lost and won and the United States won and lost at the Women’s Rugby World Cup on Sunday morning (AEST).
Despite copping a 47-7 hiding at the hands of England, it was the Wallaroos who took the last quarter final spot from their American rivals.
USA scorched Samoa 60-0 earlier, but even that wasn’t enough as the Eagles missed the quarterfinals for the first time in 11 years on points difference.
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England won their 30th successive game, tying their own world record streak that ended when it lost the 2022 World Cup final to New Zealand.
Kaitlan Leaney reacts during the loss World Rugby via Getty Images
After the big win by USA, Australia would only fail to reach the quarters if it lost by at least 76 points and didn’t get a bonus point.
That looked far less likely from the sixth minute when hooker Adiana Talakai crashed over following a scrum penalty for the Wallaroos and a lineout drive.
Also in the first quarter, fellow front-rower Eva Karpani was held up over the line and England’s only points were a Jess Breach try from a forward pass.
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Australia’s storming start rattled England into uncharacteristic errors in front of a near sell-out crowd, but when they strung 12 phases and lock Abbie Ward scored in the 32nd minute, the Red Roses had clicked and pulled away, scoring seven tries.
Sadia Kabeya and Kelsey Clifford went over twice, along with Ward and Sarah Bern, who finished the game in the sin-bin. Their 47 points were the second most Australia have ever conceded in the World Cup.
“We have trust in the plan,” Kabeya said.
“We did what we needed to do. We’ve got huge carriers across our forward pack. We’ve got threats across the park, our forwards can’t take all the credit.”
England’s Jess Breach celebrates scoring a try CameraSport via Getty Images
England’s only apparent concerns were injuries to prop Hannah Botterman, who suffered a back spasm, and fullback Ellie Kildunne, the 2024 world player of the year who took a heavy knock to her head.
As a result of the humbling loss to the host nation, Australia will face Pool B winner Canada, who put away Scotland 40-19.
Australia celebrated making the last eight by hoisting their coach Jo Yapp, a former England World Cup captain.
Yapp is leaving the Wallaroos after the World Cup after nearly two years in charge.