Wallaroos defeated by Canada in stormy Pacific Four finale

Australia’s womens rugby team, the Wallaroos, have been defeated 22-10 in a brave performance against world No 4 Canada in the wild weather of Whangarei, on New Zealand’s North Island.

The world No 8 ranked Wallaroos led the Pacific Four game early, after pushing the ball to the edges where winger Lori Cramer kicked ahead for halfback Layne Morgan to chase it down, snatch it up and win a penalty five metres out. A good leap at the line-out from lock Michaela Leonard secured possession for a fine forward drive for the line and hooker Ashley Marsters duly planted it over the stripe.

The 7-0 lead became 10-0 after 12 minutes when a flurry of pick-and-go drives broke the Canadian’s patience and earned the women in gold another penalty. Lori Cramer potted the penalty to extend the Australian’s lead to double-figures.

Related: Show us the money, say women’s rugby stars with Australia to host World Cups

But grey skies soon gave way to a torrent of rain and strong wind and the Wallaroos’ chances blew away with the storm as they struggled for consistency in the wet.

As the Canadians gained the ascendency, the Wallaroos were repeatedly forced to defend their line. Marsters and skipper Shannon Parry both secured key steals at the ruck to save tries. Cramer slithered under prop DaLeaka Menin to prevent another, and winger Jemima McCalman made a string of excellent tackles out wide.

Gallery: How's he missed that!? The worst misses in sports history (Grid)

But the gold wall crumbled two minutes from half-time when hooker Emily Tuttosi scored from a maul off a lineout. And when halfback Justine Pelletier scooted over for a second try four minutes into the second stanza Canada hit the lead 12-10.

There were bright signs for Australia