USA RUGBY – The USA Women’s Eagles faced off with the World Champion New Zealand Black Ferns in Ottawa this afternoon, wrapping up their 2023 Pacific Four Series campaign with a hardened battle against one of the best. [Lead graphic: @usarugby]
The USA came out of the gate with one of their better halves in recent years, playing up-tempo with intent to pressure the New Zealand attack, even leading at half time but eventually falling 39-17 in a close contest. A few special moments also entertained at TD Place with young prospect Freda Tafuna scoring her first USA try, and veteran player pool Lock, Erica Jarrell collecting her first cap. Despite the loss, the Eagles can exit Ottawa energized with this PAC4 finale showing the group’s improvement over the last two assemblies. Young talent is rising and a good showing against the Rugby World Cup Champion is positive momentum towards the inaugural WXV competition, slated for this fall in South Africa. The USA will enter tier two of WXV, played in South Africa from Oct. 14-28.
Captain Kate Zackary said after the match, “We were buzzing going into this match, the first half this team was absolutely electric. I think everyone in the stands and at home felt it, things were clicking that haven’t quite yet, and I think that’s a testament to what’s to come in the future.
“We kind of knew where we are going into WXV, so looking at this game alone it was mainly just to get the experience, get the minutes under our belt and be better for the upcoming matches.”
The notable first half from the USA started with the forwards winning some battles in contact, forcing the subject with the Black Ferns. Early on you could see the quick tempo and physical game plan from the Eagles. New Zealand flanker Iritana Hohaia came up quick on her position-mate Georgie Perris-Redding in the second minute, which resulted in a head-to-head call and red card, giving the USA a player advantage for the duration of the game. Only minutes later, Freda Tafuna took full advantage with a quick sprint from the line out maul, finding space and touching down for her first World Rugby try.
Claiming the early lead and scattering the New Zealand attack, the USA kept playing with a faster pace from match one against Australia. Perris-Redding would be sent to the bin for a short while, however the ball continued to remain in the New Zealand end early. The USA pressure was commendable this afternoon, forcing 10 penalties and turnovers in the first half alone, to keep the Black Fern attack from forming and holding them to only 5 points.
h Perris-Redding and Tafuna going to the quick tap in the New Zealand zone, opening up an opportunity for Rachel Johnson to punch it in for her first try of the tournament. McKenzie Hawkins, already 2-2 on conversions, would add a penalty goal before the break. We go to halftime with the USA leading, 17-5.
Doing great work at the breakdowns with a couple steals, the USA tried to replicate in the second half but the Black Ferns were able to leverage the halftime break and reset their attack. Despite a yellow card and playing two players down, the Kiwi offense started to click and found 17 pts in the first 20min. Once momentum had swayed, it was tough for the Eagles to keep up and eventually the game would fall to New Zealand, 39-17.
The USA Women’s Eagles will now head back home from Ottawa, a number of which will prepare for the second half of the Women’s Premier League season and a few returning to the U23s for a Border Batter with Canada. All before reassembling in the fall for WXV 2, with opponents, played in South Africa from Oct 14-28. All in all, a positive assembly in Canada for the USA, with lessons and shines of light we’re excited to see continue.