Women’s rugby union: Australia beat Scotland 38–31 to sweep series

Australia beat Scotland 38–31 in Canberra on 23 October, completing a three-game sweep in women’s rugby union. The result also left Scotland winless in the WXV Global Series and extended their run to nine consecutive Test defeats, the BBC reported. A Test is an international match.

Australia had already beaten Scotland in Sydney and Edinburgh before securing the sweep in Canberra.

Scotland finish with five defeats from five

Scotland’s WXV Global Series campaign comprised defeats by Canada and New Zealand followed by three consecutive losses to Australia. The Canberra result confirmed a final record of five defeats from five matches, according to the BBC.

Australia recover before Scotland’s late push

Australia led 14–0 early, but a succession of penalties helped Scotland score three consecutive tries, worth five points each, and take a 17–14 halftime lead.

Australia regained the lead four minutes into the second half and moved 28–17 ahead by the 52nd minute. Sam Wood kicked all five Australian conversions, worth two points each, and a penalty. Wood’s penalty came after a Scottish try and before captain Siokapesi Palu’s converted long-range try extended the lead to 38–24.

Australia then lost prop Eva Karpani to a yellow card, which temporarily removes a player from the field, and Cecilia Smith to a red card. Scotland fought back to 38–31 but could not find the try and successful conversion needed to draw level on the final play.

Australia received four yellow cards in total, including two for Smith that resulted in her dismissal. Scotland had two players temporarily removed after yellow cards. Australian centre Georgina Friedrichs also alleged biting, but officials found no evidence on review and no bite marks on her forearm; the referee dismissed the complaints, Guardian Sport reported.