The USA The Women’s Eagles extended their unbeaten streak WXV Global Series 2026 campaign with a 36-27 win Italy in Texas.
The result means that American women have now beaten three Guinness women Six Nations teams this fall, having previously been defeated Ireland and Wales in September.
Jack Hanratty’s side can call themselves the form team in women’s Test rugby, with four straight wins under their belt. They will have a second chance in Italy next week in Nashville before closing out 2026 by hosting the Red Roses in New Jersey.
Immediately after Alyssa D’Incá’s missed penalty for Italy, the Eagles opened the scoring. After clawing their way deep into their opponents’ 22, a series of carries helped USA co-captain Georgie Perris-Redding over the line. Bella Vogel is converted.
The guests immediately responded through Francesca Granzotto. The Exeter Chiefs ground wing was scrutinized by match officials at Texas Health Mansfield Stadium as she spun across the try line.
The Eagles added to their lead when Vogel dropped her shoulder at midcourt to send the home team ahead. The teenager then passed to star number 8 Fred Tafun, who crossed to Perris-Redding to score her second try.
For their third and fourth attempts at Texas, the Eagles turned to a proven source of points. Returning to their forward-dominated, smash-and-grab style of play, Hope Rogers crashed twice in the space of five minutes. At the end of the half, Vittoria Vecchini made the most of good field position to score her 17th try from close range.
The second half was much more even. Perris-Redding needed just six minutes to complete his hat-trick. But what followed was a significant shift in momentum, allowing the Europeans to gain a foothold in the game.
First came an exciting try from Aura Muzzo. Then, with Telesi Uhatafe in the sin bin, Vittoria Zanette crossed the line from close range. In the 60th minute, Italian substitute loosehead prop Giorgia Cuoghi was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle.
Vogel’s 76th-minute penalty put the game out of Italy’s reach, meaning Granzotto’s second try of the afternoon was only a consolation.
Here are three talking points from the Eagles’ win in Texas…
Bella Vogel is a generational talent
Bella Vogel’s arrival certainly got people talking. Still a teenager, the back now has eight test caps and looks extremely comfortable going up against some of the most tried and tested operators in the game.
When she was first recognized, what stood out about her inclusion was that the Life University student played out of position at fly-half. Usually deployed at inside centre, Vogel made her debut against the Black Ferns and remained there until the Eagles’ second Test against the Springbok Women in July.
Now, with Nina Mason – another Life University player – installed as the primary playmaker, Vogel was able to make a bigger impact on the game. She also displayed a more dynamic running game, while showing off her two-footed kicks and impressive passing range.
This year, Vogel also featured for the U20s and the USA Falcons. Her development continues with each passing week. To say it’s impressive would be a vast understatement. Just how high the 19-year-old’s ceiling is remains unclear – and that’s hugely exciting.
Italy was never really down
The most important emotion of Italy after this defeat must be frustration. When they strung passes together and broke the gain line, their attacking play was excellent. The problem was that we didn’t see enough of it.
Statistics offer an obvious explanation for their defeat. They turned the ball over 15 times in 80 minutes – a costly result against a team like the Eagles, who thrive in possession and territory.
It also means Italy have lost two of their three WXV Global Series matches this fall. Their victory Japan a month ago already seems like a long time ago.
That win against Sakura Fifteen showed it all Blue they want to be and what they are capable of achieving. Plinio Sciamanna’s main challenge is to unlock that potential more consistently.
Rock ’em sock ’em rugby
In previous years, one of the main criticisms of the US was that it could be one-dimensional. They relied heavily on forward play and lacked a convincing plan B. Under Jack Hanratty, however, the Eagles seem to have developed a more varied and fluid style of play – something we saw on the pitch on Saturday night.
The Eagles have clearly identified their strongest ball carriers. Freda Tafuna touches the ball more than any other player from North America and was the leading attacker of her team. Those contributions highlight why the 23-year-old has entered the conversation as one of the best badge rowers in the world.
The Eagles’ ability to recognize when to run and when to make contact kept Italy guessing during Saturday’s match, just as it did against Wales and Ireland in September. And if all else fails, they can rely on their setup to provide a stable platform from which to attack.
It’s stunning to watch and has allowed the USA to become a much more complete team – the complete package. Their 207 post-contact yards, 10 line breaks and 172 carries highlight that progress.
The biggest criticism that can be leveled at the US is their ability to keep possession. In Texas, the team took eight penalties and turned the ball over nine times with the remainder of the game. Those problems eventually allowed Italy to claw their way back into the game in the second half. Against England in a fortnight, that kind of counting could prove damning.
