Wallaroos send retiring pair out with win over Scotland

Former Wallaroos captain Emily Chancellor and teammate Cecilia Smith concluded their careers on a high note as Australia secured a 38-31 victory over Scotland in a spirited match at Canberra. Chancellor and Smith, who both received yellow cards and were subsequently marched from the field, were honored by their teammates in the closing minutes.

The Wallaroos, set to embark on a new full-time program under coach Sione Fukofuka, had previously secured a series sweep against Scotland in Canberra. The game was marked by biting accusations, a series of yellow cards, and several classy moments from Australia, although their discipline let them down in tackles and around the ruck.

Scotland faced two sin-bin incidents and narrowly escaped a more disastrous outcome, thanks to the lack of evidence for a biting allegation against Wallaroos centre Georgina Friedrichs. Eva Karpani, a 50-game prop, was also yellow-carded for a high shot during her milestone game. Flyhalf Waiaria Ellis played a crucial role in neutralizing the Scottish threat.

Chancellor and Smith, both retiring, expressed their gratitude and pride in their achievements, with Smith receiving a standing ovation upon her exit. Chancellor, a two-time World Cup member, signed off with a win in her 42nd Test match, reflecting on the opportunities and purpose the sport had provided her. The victory followed wins in Sydney and Edinburgh against the same opponents, leaving Australia idle until the Wallaroos program transitions to a full-time operation under new coach Sione Fukofuka.