Photo: Griff Lacey
USA RUGBY – After a brilliant opening where the United States were as clinical as ever, the Canadians came back and dominated the bulk of the game.
Losing 27-52 in the end, the Women’s Eagles never gave up despite the harsh reality against them through sixty minutes on the scoreboard. Though improvement could clearly be seen, as the USA again made multiple trips inside the Canadian 22, the team as a whole leaves the Autumn Internationals with frustration, knowing the performance was not indicative of their full potential.
“We are a little bit frustrated, we made a lot of mistakes,” said wing Sarah Levy who scored her first two international tries today.
“There were a lot of moments of brilliance and the teammate support throughout the game was really up there. Every time we huddled we were really bringing each other up and it was a great experience overall even though we did have some downfalls. There’s no better feeling than a try and an international one is top notch so I’m really happy [with that].”
The first twenty minutes were by far some of the best displays this year by the Women’s Eagles. After getting into Canadian territory early, the team applied significant pressure to force a pair of scrum penalties so Bui Baravilala could slot three points through the posts.
Setup nicely by Alycia Washington, Sarah Levy dazzled fans with the first of two beautiful runs along the wing right after, putting the United States up by ten. Though Canada answered back with their own try in the corner right after, Levy came back with another thanks to a perfect run and offload by Emily Henrich.
By halftime, Canada had taken control of the match with a 15-19 lead despite the bulk of possession and space being won by the U.S. But after both teams huddled, the Canadians came back with an edge and torched the field for a number of fast plays into open space.
In the 54th minute, the U.S. opposition were up 15-40 with tries coming from intercepted passes, gaps left open and quick passages in play that were to challenging for the USA’s defense to cover.
The U.S. still had some promising trips inside the Canadian 22 but, as has been the challenge through the Can-AM Series, the group struggled to execute against soft penalties.
Charli Jacoby and Bui Baravilala finally broke the scoring drought when Jacoby drew in defenses and cleared space for Baravilala to claim the offload, escape a tackle and score. Despite a yellow card for foul play, two more tries favored the Canadian side. But in the end, U.S. Captain Kate Zackary swooped around the corner after full time to close the match with one last Eagle try.
The match marked the conclusion of the 2019 season as the USA Women’s Eagles now enter a period of rest before preseason regional training camps kick up early next year.
Details on the 2020 schedule will be confirmed at a later stage.
USA 27
Tries: Levy 2, Baravilala, Zackary
Cons: Baravilala
Pens: Baravilala
STARTERS
1. Catie Benson2. Kathryn Treder3. Nick James4. Kristine Sommer5. Alycia Washington6. Nicole Strasko7. Kate Zackary (C)8. Kathryn Johnson9. Carly Waters10. Bui Baravilala11. Sarah Levy12. Amy Naber-Bonte13. Emily Henrich (VC)14. Jennine Duncan15. Leti Hingano
RESERVES
16. Joanna Kitlinski17. Maya Learned18. Charli Jacoby19. Frieda Fetuu20. Rachel Johnson21. Ashlee Byrge22. Gabby Cantorna23. Kaitlyn Broughton
STAFF
Director of Women’s High Performance | Emilie BydwellHead Coach | Rob CainAssistant Coach | Jamie BurkeAssistant Coach | Kate DaleyAssistant Coach Rich AshfieldCoach/Team Manager | Jenny LuiHead Strength & Conditioning Coach | Ian JonesAssistant Strength & Conditioning Coach | Conor SweeneyHead Performance Analyst | Dave GardnerAssistant Performance Analyst | Callum HowellsTeam Doctor | Terrence CroninAthletic Trainer | Bri ArsenaultAthletic Trainer | Katherine Henry