Australia have secured their place in the Perth SVNS Final after a 24-7 victory over the USA.
Already down two players due to suspension, the Aussies were struck by injury early as Bienne Terita hobbled off the field with a left knee knock.
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Down their two speedsters, Tim Walsh’s side took a patient approach to break down the USA defence, having struggled against the Americans in the past.
They eventually capitalised on an overthrown lineout as Madison Ashby found Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea on the cross back for the opening try.
The Australian pressure at the breakdown was relentless, producing a late chance when Bella Nasser dummied and put Sharni Smale over for the 12-point half-time lead.
Dom du Toit extended the lead after the break with a great solo try as she ducked and stepped her way through the defence.
Naya Tapper gave the USA some hope late as sliced through the defence for an easy try.
But it was Australia’s time to shine as Charlotte Caslick raced away from the scrum and spread it wide for Kaitlin Shave to dive over in the corner to seal the win.
The win makes it three Finals in a row for the Australian outfit, who will face Ireland after they defeated Great Britain.
It is just the second time the Irish have made the World Series Final, cruising to a 31-7 victory.
“They’re so strong, quick and agile so we know it’ll be a fight,” Bella Nasser said on the Irish.
“They’ll come out really hard so we just have to stick really tight ad keep working hard for each other.”
Australia defeated Ireland on their way to the Cape Town title, defeating them 24-14 in the quarter-finals.
The Aussies will get Teagan Levi back for the Final, whilst the status of Terita remains up in the air after her knock.
