women
international women
The USA The Lady Eagles started theirs WXV Global Series campaign with a statement 40-36 victory over Ireland at the Tallaght Stadium in Dublin.
It was a pulsating 80 minutes of rugby, with Ireland leading 24-12 at the break before the USA staged a remarkable second-half comeback. Four tries after the break turned the game on its head and saw the Eagles hold their nerve to claim a memorable win on Irish soil.
Kathryn Treder scored twice in the second half and Hallie Taufoou and player of the match Freda Tafuna also found the try line as Jack Hanratty’s side secured a thrilling win that will provide plenty of confidence as they continue their WXV Global Series campaign.
Speaking after the final whistle, Tafuna told TG4: “Props to Ireland for really giving it to us. We knew going into this game we had to do our best because we were going to be underdogs.”
“I’m definitely proud of myself. I had a bit of a tough week myself, but to be able to persevere through this game was amazing.
“Honestly, the support of our coaches. Without them, I don’t think we would be where we are right now,” she added.
“We went into the dressing room and talked about how we need to improve our defense, so we did that and we came out with the result we wanted.
“I think we’re setting the tone with this game and this win, so hopefully we can continue that in the next games.”
Her teammate and co-captain Georgie Perris-Redding echoed that belief, noting the hard work that went into preparing for the series.
“We’ve been in Ireland for two weeks now and we’ve been working so hard and we’ve had some really tough sessions.
“We always believed this was possible. I never doubted this group. I’m so, so proud.”
“That’s what’s so special about this team – we don’t give up. Anyone could have watched that first half and written the USA off and thought we were out of it.”
“We knew we could get this. When you look around the room, the depth of the bench and the amazing players we have, it’s so exciting and we’re just getting started.”
“We’re fired up. We know what we’re capable of. There’s a whole group that’s done it, not just 23. We’ve got the 37 players we had last week and it’s all down to all of them and the staff,” she added.
The Eagles will now turn their attention to their next challenge, with Wales await them at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday 26th September.
Perris-Redding knows another demanding Test match lies ahead after watching Wales’ opening game against South Africa.
“We just watched the Wales game against South Africa, and Wales looked really good and clinical out there and we know they’re a physical team.
“We’re going to go, work really hard and hopefully go and do a show in Cardiff.”
“I’m so proud,” Perris-Redding concluded with a big smile on her face.