Wallaroos climb World Rugby rankings as South Africa rout USA Women 34-21

The Wallaroos moved above the USA Women’s Eagles in the World Rugby rankings on Saturday without kicking a ball, after South Africa’s women dismantled Jack Hanratty’s side 34-21 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on 4 July.

The Springbok Women, coached by Swys de Bruin, were dominant from the outset. Tries from Ayanda Malinga, Unam Tose, Babalwa Latsha and a Logan Welman brace gave South Africa a commanding 29-0 lead at the interval — a scoreline that effectively settled the contest before the second half had begun.

Vainah Ubisi extended the advantage after the break, though the Eagles mounted a late rally through Freda Tafuna, Ashley Cowdrey and Elizabeth Cook to make the final scoreline a more respectable 34-21. The comeback added some drama to the closing stages, but South Africa were never seriously threatened.

Latsha, who was named South Africa’s captain ahead of the fixture, reflected on a largely commanding performance. “We wanted to lay down a marker that we are a serious team,” she said. “Yes, we fell away a bit in the second half, but now we have a clear idea of the things we can improve in the coming week. Next weekend’s game will show our ability to adapt and grow.”

The defeat has cost the USA their ranking position above Australia in the Pacific Four Series standings, with the Wallaroos now sitting ahead of the Eagles in the global table.

A second South Africa victory over the USA at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria this weekend could push the Springbok Women above the Eagles in the rankings as well, adding further significance to what was already a high-stakes fixture for both sides.