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eagles.rugby — The USA Women’s Falcons completed an intense two-match tour in São Paulo, Brazil, taking on the Brazilian Women’s Rugby 15s national team, “As Yaras,” at the Nacional Stadium. The USA Pathway developmental program beat Brazil 19-7 in its Aug. 8 opener and then fell 14-12 in the Aug. 12 rematch. [lead photo: Victor Gushiken Basílio for USA Rugby]
The tour developed depth by testing players against a well matched international opponent, and the result was high-intensity rugby that mutually benefitted both teams.
“Tours like this are crucial for expanding our pool of international-caliber talent and developing the USA style of play,” USA Falcons head coach Orlando Pulou said. “Being exposed to these high-pressure environments help players gel together and learn to make adjustments in-game. We had a strong start, and the team showed grit in the second-half comeback of our second half match which will serve these athletes tremendously as they continue their progression in the USA Rugby system.”
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The Falcons opened the tour with a commanding performance on Aug. 8, taking control early. After a physical first half where Makayla Wilkins touched down for the opening try, the Falcons elevated their pace in the second half. Consecutive scores from Tahlia Brody and Sayler Russell stretched the lead to 19–0. A driving maul from Brazil put the hosts on the scoreboard, but the Falcons sealed a convincing 19–7 victory.
Shifting in some personnel in the match-day 23, the Falcons returned to the Nacional Stadium for the series finale. However, the Yaras came out firing, using their physical forward pack to establish an early lead. Brazil took advantage of early momentum and forward pressure in the first half, scoring two converted tries to build a 14–0 lead at half time.
The Falcons adjusted in the second half, fighting back, and taking advantage of a Brazilian yellow card with 12 minutes remaining. The USA dialed in for the comeback with Morgan Freeman and Katelyn Walker crossed the line in quick succession to pull the Falcons within two points. However, a missed conversion gave Brazil the win with a 14–12 final score.
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“These players are very skilled, and possess good rugby knowledge,” Pulou closed. “It’s more about being intentional with the smaller details now as we look to align with the senior team’s long-term intentions. We want to continue pushing standards, and I think there’s still room to grow.”
RESULTS
Aug 8: USA Falcons 19-7 Brazil
Tries: Wilkins, Brody, Russell
Conversions: Vogel 2
Aug 12: Brazil 14-12 USA Falcons
Tries: Freeman, Walker
Conversions: Vogel
SQUAD
Sam Brackett — Twin Cities Gemini
Tahlia Brody — Denver Onyx
Lauryn Carlton — Boston Banshees
Kennedy Feasby — Denver Onyx
Morgan Freeman — Saracens / Beckenham RFC (Eng)
Karina Gauto — USA 7s
Tessa Hann — USA 7s
Chloe Hill-Huse — Sunnybank Union Club (Aus)
Maddie Hubbell — Harvard University
Malia Isaacs — WER Boston Banshees
Jordynn LeBeau — Dartmouth College
Molly McAlevey — Boston Banshees
Nina Mason — Life University
Reece Moody — Dartmouth College
Alopa Nau — Davenport University
Tiahna Padilla — Twin Cities Gemini
Abigail Paton — Matatū (NZ)
Hehea Pulotu — Dartmouth College
Sayler Russell — Long Island University
Lissa Salisbury — Life University
Sadie Schier — Denver Onyx
Cindy Taulava — Dartmouth College
Courtney Taylor — Harvard University
Telesi Uhatafe — Southern Nazarene Univ
Bella Vogel — Life University
Katelyn Walker — Dartmouth College
Makayla Wilkins — Denver Onyx
Reece Woods — Sacred Heart University
STAFF
Head Coach | Orlando Pulou
Assistant (Defense) | Mel Denham
Assistant (Forwards) | Lisa Jackson
Assistant (Backs/Transition Play) | Jack Hanratty
Strength & Conditioning | Nick Gallagher
Team Medical | Anna Unnasch
Team Medical | Mia Pelton
Team Manager | Louise Stewart