Win for Wallaroos should guarantee quarter-final spot
USA drop Alev Kelter from matchday squad
It may be only the second week of the Rugby World Cup but it is win or bust for so many teams this weekend and few games have that feeling more than the USA’s showdown with Australia in York on Saturday evening.
In many ways, this is the game of the round, and perhaps the tournament so far. The two sides began in contrasting fashion but there were few surprises in that regard, with Australia racking up a record score in defeating Samoa and the United States coming up short against tournament favourites and hosts England on the opening night.
Victory for the Wallaroos in York would guarantee qualification with a round to go, assuming England defeat Samoa on Saturday. In the Pacific Four series this year, Australia ran out winners by 27-19 and on paper at least would be considered favourites to progress. But while a performance similar to last weekend’s opener would be satisfying, head coach Jo Yapp is clear about the one thing which matters above all else.
