Alev Kelter: Eagles can’t afford to think Red Roses are ‘wounded’

Alev Kelter may well be one of the USA Women’s Eagles’ most experienced players. But she has never experienced a winning streak quite like the one the team are enjoying right now.

Last weekend in Nashville, Tennessee, the Eagles secured their fifth consecutive victory and their fourth of the WXV Global Series. It is the first time the USA have won five Tests in a row since 2006.

Back-to-back home fixtures against Italy came immediately after a September in which the side stunned Ireland in Dublin and battled to victory against Wales in Cardiff.

The USA started the year with a third-place finish in the Pacific Four Series. In July, the side toured South Africa and lost the first Test at Ellis Park 43-21. Despite being beaten convincingly, they rallied to register a 26-19 victory at Loftus Versfeld a week later. It was the first of their five wins in a row.

In Jack Hanratty’s first year as head coach could not have gone better. Regardless of the full-time result this Friday night at Sports Illustrated Stadium against the Red Roses.

Something that has contributed to this success is the talent that Hanratty and his coaching staff have unearthed. Throughout the year a number of new players have been capped and their performances have kept them in the squad.

For a team that exited Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 a year ago after a win, a draw and a loss; the future looks incredibly bright for this group of players.

“I tend to stay away from comparisons with previous years and just focus on the present,” Kelter told RugbyPass.

“What I can say is, what we are doing is working. The buy-in and belief in the younger generation – giving those players game time – have been key focuses this year.

“We don’t just want an amazing 15, 23 or 32 players. We want a squad depth of 50 or even 100 players who are reliable, ready and willing to put the jersey on when called upon, and not just depth in Test matches, but depth under pressure.

“It has been wonderful to see everyone step up, wear this logo with pride and represent what it means to be an Eagle.”

This week, teenage back Bella Vogel was named the first ever USA international to be nominated for World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year. Abigail Paton and Nina Mason have looked more than comfortable playing Test rugby too.

Undoubtedly, Vogel has caught the attention of the world. Comfortable kicking with either foot, excellent passing range and the ability to orchestrate an international fixture at just 19 is nothing short of astonishing. It is little surprise that the Life University student has started in all nine of the USA’s Test matches in 2026. All as a starter.

“There’s a level of confidence in this younger generation,” Kelter smiled. “They’ll have a go at anything. There’s a playfulness and joy about them.

“Even in our gym sessions, players like Abs and Bella are grabbing the ball and doing their scrum-half and fly-half work together. It’s a breath of fresh air. It’s rejuvenating to see that joy.”

With new players and new coaches has come a different playing philosophy. Ahead of his appointment as Women’s Eagles boss, Hanratty remarked that he wanted to “explore the game” in the USA as he hoped to unlock his players’ potential. You can certainly say that in recent weeks the door has not been simply unlocked, it has been kicked off the hinges.

No.8 Freda Tafuna has been one of the world’s form players in recent weeks. The 23-year-old, who almost gave up the game, has scored seven tries in four WXV Global Series matches, beaten 38 defenders and carried the ball 101 times.

Those numbers put her on a stratosphere of her own. That’s before even mentioning co-captain Georgie Perris-Redding, who has scored five of her own tries this autumn, all while leading her team by example.

Last week at Geodis Park, the forwards ruled as the pack took responsibility for all eight of the USA’s tries in a true display of dominance.

Despite the forwards dominating the afternoon, Kelter was named Player of the Match in Tennessee for her well-rounded performance, which saw the 35-year-old take responsibility for the kicks to touch and complete five line breaks on way to carrying the ball for 112 metres. Not bad considering she started out of position on the wing.

“In sevens, we talk about playing ‘street ball’ – like you’re out in your backyard having fun,” Kelter said. “There’s an innocence to showing up, competing and wanting to compete with one another. That’s what we’re trying to create here. It’s about creating continuity, working off the ball and being willing to play from anywhere.

“There are a million ways to solve a problem. A million different lines you can run and different ways to score tries. Whatever is happening in the moment is the right one and you have to back it.

“Right now, our forwards have been absolutely world-class. They have been unbreakable. I’m incredibly proud of them.”

Kelter has relished the Eagles’ tour of their home country. She described pit-stops in Texas and Tennessee as “unbelievable”. Players bumped into supporters on the streets of Nashville and saw the billboards advertising the doubleheader fixture.

New Jersey has a similar feel. Kelter has not stopped getting messages about tickets from family and friends. That’s before the messages from supporters telling her that they will be in Harrison on Friday afternoon.

Friday’s fixture will bring a demanding autumn campaign to a close for both teams. Although Kelter is reasonably fresh-faced after playing in Ultimate Sevens in September. It is set to be a memorable occasion.

The Eagles will end WXV Global Series, and 2026, against Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 champions, England, in New Jersey. The Red Roses come into the contest damaged by consecutive losses to Canada north of the border and their 41-game unbeaten streak ended.

“First off,” Kelter started, “hats off to England for having such a long winning streak. It will go down as a dynasty. They were part of sporting history.

“They’re also a professional side. They’ll sit down, talk things through, work with their sports psychologist and come back better. That’s what amazing teams. No doubt they’ll do it.

“We can’t afford to think that they’re wounded. They’re a professional team who will show up ready to compete at their best. We want to focus on ourselves: the details, our game plan and how we can bring excellence to them. We know the things we’ve been working on are effective.

“The biggest thing is being united. Whatever is being said in the locker room or team room; the message is that we’re united and we believe. That’s the American way.

“I’d love to see another 80-minute performance. This year has been a snowball, with each performance building on the previous one. When you play the best teams in the world, even the smallest mistake can be punished.

“Success will be about those little moments and celebrating them, the poaches, Bella’s conversions and winning the ball back.

“It all comes back to that positivity, that joy, that accountability and the excellence we demand of ourselves. Bringing those values onto the pitch and buying into them will be crucial this weekend.”