women
international women
The USA The Women’s Eagles won three games in a row for the first time in 20 years in a performance that head coach Jack Hanratty described as “brilliant”.
On Saturday afternoon, the USA head coach watched his team take a 26-24 victory WXV Global Series win against Wales in Cardiff.
The win backed up last week’s win against Ireland. Combined with July’s win over the Springbok Women in Pretoria, it means the North Americans have won three games on the bounce for the first time since 2006.
Freda Tafuna was named player of the match for the second straight week in Saturday’s win. The 23-year-old scored a hat-trick in the Welsh capital, her 52nd-minute try ultimately proving to be the difference between the two teams.
Trailing 24-21 at halftime, the USA kept their hosts on their toes throughout the second half in an impressive display of defensive discipline.
Wales’ four tries in the first half came from Keira Bevan, Kelsey Jones, Sisilia Tuipulota and Alex Callender, while the Eagles’ points came through the first two goals from Tafuna and a try from Eric Coulibaly, all scored by Bella Vogel.
In a much closer second half, Tafuna’s score ended up giving the USA the victory.
Jack Hanratty, head coach of the U.S. Women’s Eagles, said: “We were brilliant in the first 20 minutes, which was the work of last week. We showed huge moments in attack – especially with Erika’s try. But we let Wales get back into it, and they are a well-drilled and physical side.
“Looking ahead, we will certainly go through the last 10 minutes and how we want to finish the game. But we found a way and we are going home two out of two. It is not easy to win away from home.”
It was with women Rugby World Cup In 2006, hosted by Canada, the Eagles last accomplished the feat. Tournament winners in 1991, their 18-0 defeat by England in St. Albert was followed by victories against Ireland and back-to-back wins against Australia. To conclude the tournament, the Eagles won Scotland in the playoffs for fifth place.
The result sends the Eagles into their October Tests against Italy and Red Roses on a high note.
The Eagles will play Blue in Texas and Tennessee before ending their year against England at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey.
Player of the match Fred Tafun believes team spirit has been the key to their recent success.
“Wales definitely gave us a game and I honestly don’t know what to say, I’m just tired,” Tafuna said.
“When we got the new staff, our team found a way to bond. Everyone knows how to connect on and off the field and that’s what I think is special about our team.
“We’re sure we’re going to Italy, but we definitely have to stay humble, we’re still proving that we’re among the top six in the world.”
