The rain was heavy at The Domain Stadium in Tauranga, New Zealand as the USA Women’s Eagles took on Canada in their Pacific Four Series opener.
Handling errors and possession trouble would be the game script during this match, as the USA struggled to continue possession forward through the elements and a staunch Canadian defense. With a slippery ball and ground, the Eagles weren’t able to get the ball out wide for some of the explosive speed this squad has on the wing. A factor to work on and hopefully utilize more in the next round against Australia. There was great pace from both teams as each returned to test match rugby for the first time this season, however Canada was able to capitalize on drives and run away with the 36-5 win. Five new Eagles were capped by the final whistle, with Shelby Lin, Sam Sullivan, Georgie Perris-Redding, Bridget Kahele and Evi Ashenbrucker making their debut, the latter three as starters.
“Congratulations to Canada and to all our new Eagles receiving their first cap today. We knew what Canada would bring, we prepared for this all week with particular intent on winning the collisions, winning the territory battle and looking after the ball. This was stressed even more due to the weather conditions the players faced today. When we went away from what was looked at all week, or people did not execute as they must, Canada took full advantage of those moments.
“The effort was there from everyone, as it had been all week with some individuals really put their hand up with their performance today. The experiences gained, at this level of play, are invaluable as we continue to look at our Rugby World Cup depth. However with all the preparation, the glimpses we saw throughout the week and out there during the game, today was a real missed opportunity for this group to make their mark.“
The early going of the match was well balanced, with both teams visibly eager to get back on the pitch, showing so with hard runs into the gain line and quick pace. Both teams traded turnovers early, including some knock-ons that didn’t pause play as each team was eager to just pick up and play on. The first pause would however set Canada up for points as a kick to touch led to a near 10 meter rolling maul allowing Olivia Demerchant to fall over the line. Following the try, the USA did well to pressure on offense, keeping the ball in the Canadian end. Meya Bizer and McKenzie Hawkins kicked to the corners a few times, but the USA weren’t able to chase in time. Re-strategizing, the USA went to the set piece and began to link phases, bringing the ball to the line and knocking on the door. Answering right back with potentially the play of the game, Kathryn Johnson volleyed Bridget Kahele’s pass out wide to Hallie Taufoou, who was unattended on the left corner and dove in for a try, game tied at 5-5.
The USA kept momentum and did well to force penalties, earning a few set pieces in their own end. The weather really began to play a factor at this stage, with slipped line outs and dropped balls. By the end of the match, both teams would each have 13 passing miscues, alluding to the challenging rainy environment. The momentum swayed over the last portion of the first half as the USA started to give away possession on the penalty. Canada was able to close on these opportunities, doing well to connect phases and push the USA defense back. Canada would add two more tries before the break, leading 17-5.
The second half was all Canada on the scoreboard as the USA struggled to get the ball out of their own end. Canada had five visits past the USA 22 versus only two from the Americans by the 60-minute mark. Substitutes came on and provided some much-needed spark. Sam Sullivan was able to get in a few strong line breaks, showing the lethal speed she possesses, and Jordan Matyas similarly did well to move the ball forward. The USA just wasn’t able to retain the ball long enough for plays to develop and find space. Canada would go on to tally three more tries in the half and race out to a 36-5 victory.
Captain Kristine Sommer commented post match, “We definitely came out really strong in the first 20 minutes and then kind of let ourselves down in the middle of the game. We had line out turnovers and I think that was a big miss for us as that is what we worked on all week.”
It was a relatively young squad today, with nine potential starters and veteran presence absent due for the Allianz Premier 15s Final. These games however present an invaluable opportunity for gained experience as the rain and score line coach each player on how to expect the unexpected and stay in the fight.
When asked about the new talent making their debut today, Sommer added, “What an experience for them to come out here in World Cup year and get their first cap, I think it’s really big for them, all the experience they bring to the team and everything they’re going to bring back to the States.”
Despite the final score, the USA defense was intent throughout all 80 minutes. Kathryn Johnson of Twin Cities Amazons played a very strong game before subbing out in the 62 minute. Outside of the highlight reel tip-pass for a try, Johnson did well to create opportunities, set pace and carry the ball out of scrums and rucks. The USA will look to better capitalize on those opportunities and keep possession when they next meet Australia in round two. Catch USA vs Australia, Saturday, June 11 at 8:15 PM ET live on the World Rugby Pacific Four Series Page and World Rugby YouTube
Venue: The Domain, Tauranga, New Zealand
| Number | Name | Club | Caps |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Catie Benson | Sale Sharks | 26 |
| 2 | Joanna Kitlinski | Sale Sharks | 16 |
| 3 | Nick James | Sale Sharks | 17 |
| 4 | Kristine Sommer | Gloucester-Hartpury RFC | 18 |
| 5 | Evi Ashenbrucker | San Diego Surfers | 1 |
| 6 | Hallie Taufoou | Loughborough Lightning | 4 |
| 7 | Georgie Perris-Redding | Sale Sharks | 1 |
| 8 | Kathryn Johnson | Twin Cities Amazons | 4 |
| 9 | Bridget Kahele | Beantown RFC | 1 |
| 10 | McKenzie Hawkins | Life West Gladiatrix | 8 |
| 11 | Tess Feury | New York Rugby Club | 9 |
| 12 | Katana Howard | Sale Sharks | 8 |
| 13 | Bulou Mataitoga | Loughborough Lightning | 6 |
| 14 | Emily Henrich | Beantown RFC | 9 |
| 15 | Meya Bizer | Beantown RFC | 19 |
| 16 | Kathryn Treder | Beantown RFC | 4 |
| 17 | Maya Learned | Gloucester-Hartpury RFC | 7 |
| 18 | Charli Jacoby | Loughborough Lightning | 10 |
| 19 | Jordan Matyas | USA Sevens | 19 |
| 20 | Elizabeth Cairns | Life West Gladiatrix | 16 |
| 21 | Shelby Lin | Berkeley All Blues | 1 |
| 22 | Amy Talei Bonte | Life West Gladiatrix | 9 |
| 23 | Sam Sullivan | Colorado Gray Wolves | 1 |
Head Coach | Rob Cain
Assistant Coach | Jamie Burke
Assistant Coach | Kate Daley
Head of Strength & Conditioning | Sylvia Braaten
Head Athletic Trainer | Hilary Stepansky
Assistant Athletic Trainer | Janie Kluempers
Lead Analyst | Callum Howells
Team Manager | Annemarie Farrell
Liaison Officer | Steve Downie
vs Canada | (L) 36-5
The Domain, Tauranga, New Zealand
vs Australia
The Trusts Arena, Waitakere, New Zealand
Broadcast: World Rugby Pacific Four Series Page and World Rugby YouTube
vs New Zealand
Semenoff Stadium, Whangarei, New Zealand
Broadcast: World Rugby Pacific Four Series Page and World Rugby YouTube
