Australia held Mexico and Spain scoreless in the opening two matches but had to come from behind against a fast-starting Russia who shot out to a 0-15 lead. 

They worked hard to regain possession and expose Russia out wide, putting Ellia Green over for two quick tries to narrow the gap to 14-15 and continued to hammer the Russian line with Charlotte Caslick putting over Dom Du Toit to give Australia a 21-15 victory, meaning they top Pool A. 

“The team worked hard across the three games and I was really impressed with our work rate today," head coach John Manenti said.

“To go through our first two games without conceding a try is a credit to the way we played and how we maintained possession. 

“Russia are a quality outfit and forced us into making mistakes early in the match which they capitalised on. I was impressed with how we fought our way back into the game and backed our systems against a very physical team," he said.

Making her debut in was Wallaroo, Samantha Treherne who scored two tries and made two conversions. 

Australia will meet hosts, USA in the Quarter Finals at 4.36am AEDT.