The United States scored 10 unanswered tries as they romped to a 60-0 win over Samoa at the Women’s Rugby World Cup on Saturday, but were eliminated after Australia limited the damage in their loss to England.
Freda Tafuna scored four tries, with two for Hope Rogers and one each for Cassidy Bargell, Erica Coulibaly, Erica Jarrell-Searcy and Olivia Ortiz at the York Community Stadium as the Americans picked up a key bonus point for a Pool A total of eight.
Even a second-half booking for substitute Kristin Bitter could not open the door wide enough for Samoa to get on the scoresheet.
The United States were left facing an anxious wait to see how Australia fare later on Saturday against favourites England, needing a huge favour from the hosts if they are to compete in the knockout stage next weekend.
England had to beat Australia by 76 points and deny the Wallaroos a bonus point when they met in Brighton later on Saturday to allow the Americans to take second place in the pool.
The Wallaroos were well beaten on the south coast, but not by the requisite margin. They fell 47-7 despite drawing first blood in the match, and will face Canada in the next round.
It feels a premature exit for the Eagles, who impressed in a draw against Australia last week and showed promise against the minnows Australia on Saturday.
Samoa depart the tournament with only three points, a penalty kicked over by Harmony Vatau to rapturous applause against England at Northampton last weekend.
But they came close to their first try of the tournament on several occasions in a spirited second-half performance on Saturday with the York crowd willing them on.
Samoa conceded a total of 225 points in their three games at the tournament in England.
