eagles.rugby — In the final round of pool play at the Women’s Rugby World Cup, the USA Eagles knew the task ahead — secure a win and pile on points to keep qualification hopes alive. [lead photo: Alex Ho @hoiho_photo]
They did exactly that, blanking Samoa 60–0 in a commanding performance. The striking offense would fall just short unfortunately, as the ensuing Australia vs England match didn’t see enough of a deficit to the Wallaroos for the USA to advance to the quarterfinals on points differential. While it was an exciting afternoon to secure a win, still bittersweet as the USA Rugby World Cup campaign comes to a close.
Flanker Freda Tafuna continued to be a total force, raking up four tries in the match and winning her second strait Player of the Match award. Having just graduated from Lindenwood University, the young star’s future in a USA shirt shines very bright.
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The Eagles came out with relentless pressure from the opening whistle, stretching Samoa from edge to edge and keeping the ball moving through every channel. Their width in attack opened gaps across the field, forcing Samoa to scramble on defense and eventually break under the pace of the USA’s offloads and support play. By spreading the field and playing with tempo, the Eagles created space for their finishers – both in the forward pack and back line – to capitalize
Head Coach Sione Fukofuka said on the final pool match, “We got 60 on the board, but probably left a few more out there. I want to acknowledge Samoa – they made it really tough and what they’ve brought to the Rugby World Cup has been amazing.
“We approached [this match] the right way, which was nice to see and it was nice to see them build. When we got the chance to score we did, we rise and fall as a team.”
Keia Mae Sagapolu / Photo: Alex Ho @hoiho_photo
The opening minutes were scrappy, with both sides exchanging pressure. Samoa’s offense pressured early, but it was the USA who struck first. In the 6th minute, Ilona Maher pounced on a loose ball and set up Freda Tafuna, who powered through for the opening try.
From there, the Eagles began to find their rhythm. At the 11th minute, Hope Rogers split the lineout defense to score, but just minutes later she crossed again to push the lead even further.
Back-to-back tries in quick succession broke the match open. Cass Bargell spotted a gap and dove under the posts for the bonus-point try, and soon after, Erica Coulibaly finished in the corner. With Gabby Cantorna adding a conversion, the USA entered halftime firmly in control, leading 27–0.
Sariah Ibarra in the air, Emily Henrich on the ground / @hoiho_photo
Straight off the restart, Erica Jarrell-Searcy stormed through defenders to score, setting the tone for the remaining 40 minutes. Tafuna then took over, adding her second and third try of the day.
Even after a yellow card to Kristen Bitter left the Eagles down a player, their defense held firm and their attack stayed ruthless. A long lineout to Alev Kelter sparked another sweeping move as she charged downfield, eventually setting up Tafuna to finish for her fourth try of the match – easily raising her hand as one of the tournament’s top players.
Samoa fought hard and came close to scoring on multiple occasions, but the USA’s defensive grit at the goal line held them scoreless. In the final stages, Olivia Ortiz added the finishing touch, diving over in the 76th minute to seal the 60–0 victory.
Photo: @hoiho_photo
With a 135 point differential to make up over Australia, the USA could now only sit back and hope #1 ranked England would tally 76 points on the Wallaroos to open the quarterfinal gate for the Eagles. The second match concluded just a few hours later, with Australia holding the Red Roses to a 40-point victory and heartbreaking end to the USA’s journey this Rugby World Cup.
SCORING
Tries: Freda Tafuna 4, Hope Rogers 2, Cassidy Bargell, Erica Coulibaly, Erica Jarrell-Searcy, Olivia Ortiz
Conversions: Gabriella Cantorna 5
USA ROSTER v SAMOA
1 Hope Rogers — Exeter Chiefs
2 Kathryn Treder — Loughborough Lightning / Bay Area Breakers
3 Keia Mae Sagapolu — Loughborough Lightning
4 Hallie Taufoou — Loughborough Lightning / Denver Onyx
5 Erica Jarrell-Searcy — Sale Sharks
6 Freda Tafuna — Lindenwood University
7 Kate Zackary — Ealing Trailfinders
8 Rachel Johnson — Exeter Chiefs / Denver Onyx
9 Cassidy Bargell — Boston Banshees
10 McKenzie Hawkins — Denver Onyx
11 Erica Coulibaly — Denver Onyx
12 Gabby Cantorna — Exeter Chiefs
13 Ilona Maher — Bristol Bears / USA Sevens
14 Emily Henrich — Leicester Tigers / Boston Banshees
15 Sariah Ibarra — USA Sevens
16 Paige Stathopoulos — Ealing Trailfinders / Boston Banshees
17 Maya Learned — Denver Onyx
18 Alivia Leatherman — Trailfinders / Twin Cities Gemini
19 Tahlia Brody — Loughborough Lightning
20 Georgie Perris-Redding — Sale Sharks
21 Olivia Ortiz — Sale Sharks
22 Kristin Bitter — Denver Onyx
23 Alev Kelter — Loughborough Lightning / Bay Area Breakers
STAFF
Head Coach, Attack + Backs | Sione Fukofuka
Assistant Coach, Defense | Sarah Chobot
Assistant Coach, Forwards | Mel Bosman
Head of Athletic Performance | Charles Dudley Intern S&C | Nina Forte
Analyst | Callum Howells
Lead Physiotherapist | Alice Mae
Athletic Trainer | Sam Malette
Team Doctor | Becca Rodriguez
Massage Therapist | Delwyn Griffith
Performance Psychologist | Scott Goldman
Team Manager | Alana Gattinger
General Manager, High Performance | Tamara Sheppard
Media Manager | Jenni Burke
SCHEDULE
England 69-7 USA
Aug 22 | Stadium of Light, Sunderland
USA 31-31 Australia
Aug 30 | York Community Stadium, York
USA 60-0 Samoa
Sept 6 | York Community Stadium, York