The USA Women’s Eagles wrapped up their WXV 1 campaign and the year with a hard-fought match against Ireland, ultimately falling 14-26. Despite a strong first half where the Eagles showcased confidence and control, a series of penalties and handling errors in the second half allowed Ireland to seize momentum.
Hope Rogers celebrated her 50th cap, becoming only the second USA Women’s Eagle to reach this milestone since Jamie Burke’s 51. Past and present collided at the jersey ceremony, where Jamie Burke presented Rogers with her jersey. Captain Kate Zackary also made history, earning her 40th cap and joining an elite group as only the sixth player to achieve this mark.
Despite the results of the last three weeks, the squad made history appearing in their first WXV 1 and playing against the top teams in the country. Major lessons learned will give them work-ons as players separate until the new year as they prep for the Rugby World Cup 2025.
"We were really confident, but unfortunately discipline and the yellow cards made it really hard against a really good Irish team. We've had four weeks together, a WXV 1 tournament against some of the best teams in the world. We're really pleased at we're we've grown to, but back in the game we could've been a little smarter and our discipline was a challenge.
A majority of the players will go back into playing for the PWR and playing for their clubs before we transition into our World Cup prep starting in January."
"There were just too many penalties. In the first half alone, eight, and I'm sure we gave up more than that in the second half. A lot of them were just off our own devices. Ireland was quick over the ball, but there were plenty we could've worked harder. Our attack moments were really good. Our defense moments were really good. And we would give away a cheap penalty somewhere.
WXV 1 is where we want to be. Coming out of PAC 4, our intent was to win that last game against Australia and seal the deal to get into WXV 1. Because we want to play against the best teams; there's nothing like competing against the top teams in the world. And Ireland's on the come up. It's great to see the investment they have and work hard on and that's something we're chasing in the States."
Alev Kelter kicked off the match, and the USA showcased strong defense early on, stealing the ball from Ireland’s first line out. Despite some early pressure from Ireland, the Eagles displayed unwavering determination, making significant tackles and winning crucial balls. McKenzie Hawkins made a standout tackle, pushing an Irish player into touch, helping to set the tone for a solid defensive effort.
The USA struck first when Hope Rogers powered through multiple defenders to score the opening try. McKenzie Hawkins converted, putting the USA ahead 7-0. The Eagles maintained their momentum with fast ball movement and strong phases, demonstrating a confident attack. However, as the half progressed, discipline began to wane, with penalties creeping in and giving Ireland opportunities to regroup.
Ireland responded with relentless pressure and eventually equalized at 7-7 after a quick tap and go. The USA quickly rallied, with Rogers on a tap and go, setting Alev Kelter up for a great line break. Rogers scored her second try before halftime, taking the lead to 14-7 as they headed into the break, energized and looking to make a statement.
Despite their strong first-half performance, the second half saw the Eagles falter as Ireland gained momentum. The USA struggled with discipline, conceding penalties at critical moments that shifted the balance of the game. This lack of composure at the breakdown allowed Ireland to capitalize on mistakes and regain the initiative.
As the game progressed, the breakdown became a battleground, with turnovers causing frustration for the Eagles. An unfortunate yellow card for Tahlia Brody, following an offside knockdown, led to a penalty try for Ireland, tying the game at 14-14.
With Rachel Ehrecke and Rachel Johnson both receiving yellow cards, the Eagles were down players as the second half ticked down, providing Ireland with a critical opportunity to take the lead. They capitalized on this advantage, scoring a try that put them ahead 21-14. A subsequent dive over the wing stretched Ireland’s lead to 26-14.
Despite a valiant effort, the Eagles lost their confidence in the second half. With a final score of 14-26, the USA will take valuable lessons from this match, particularly on discipline, as they look to regroup and refocus heading into the new year.
| NAME | CLUB | CAPS |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Hope Rogers | Exeter Chiefs | 50 |
| 2. Kathryn Treder | Loughborough Lightning | 25 |
| 3. Charli Jacoby | Exeter Chiefs | 32 |
| 4. Erica Jarrell | Sale Sharks | 13 |
| 5. Hallie Taufoou | Loughborough Lightning | 22 |
| 6. Tahlia Brody | Leicester Tigers | 15 |
| 7. Kate Zackary (C) | Ealing Trailfinders | 40 |
| 8. Rachel Johnson (VC) | Exeter Chiefs | 32 |
| 9. Cassidy Bargell | Beantown RFC | 4 |
| 10. McKenzie Hawkins | Colorado Gray Wolves | 20 |
| 11. Lotte Sharp | Saracens | 18 |
| 12. Gabby Cantorna | Exeter Chiefs | 32 |
| 13. Alev Kelter | Loughborough Lightning | 26 |
| 14. Cheta Emba | USA Sevens | 12 |
| 15. Bulou Mataitoga | Loughborough Lightning | 21 |
| 16. Paige Stathopoulos | Beantown RFC | 13 |
| 17. Maya Learned | Colorado Gray Wolves | 15 |
| 18. Keia Mae Sagapolu | Leicester Tigers | 14 |
| 19. Rachel Ehrecke | Colorado Gray Wolves | 18 |
| 20. Tessa Hann | Colorado Gray Wolves | 3 |
| 21. Taina Tukuafu | Lindenwood University | 13 |
| 22. Emily Henrich | Leicester Tigers | 20 |
| 23. Tess Feury (VC) | Leicester Tigers | 31 |
Head Coach | Sione Fukofuka
Assistant Coach | Mel Bosman
Assistant Coach | Sarah Chobot
Team Doctor | Rebecca Rodriguez (Week 1)
Team Doctor | Marvin Valencia (Week 2&3)
Lead Physiotherapist | Emily Lauer
Physiotherapist | Sam Malette
Head of Athletic Performance | Charles Dudley
Performance Recovery Coach | Sylvia Braaten
Lead Analyst | Caitlin Singletary
Team Manager | Lindsay Wilson
USA v England | 21-61 (L)
TRIES | A. Kelter (2), K. Zackary
CONV | M. Hawkins (3)
USA v France | 14-22 (L)
TRIES | R. Johnson, H. Taufoou
CONV | M. Hawkins (2)
USA v Ireland | 14-26 (L)
TRIES | H. Rogers (2)
CONV | M. Hawkins (2)
