Georgie Perris-Redding: 'We made it harder than we needed to'

USA captain Georgie Perris-Redding believes the Eagles made life harder for themselves in their 36-27 victory over Italy.

The USA Women’s Eagles have now won four Test matches in a row for the first time since 2006, setting themselves up superbly for their remaining WXV Global Series fixtures against Italy and the Red Roses.

The Eagles have beaten three Guinness Women’s Six Nations teams this autumn, and established themselves as a team to watch in women’s Test rugby.

Despite securing another victory, there was a sense at full-time that the hosts could have put Italy away sooner.

Leading 26-10 at the break, the Azzurre scored three second-half tries. The Eagles responded with Perris-Redding’s third try of the match and a penalty from Bella Vogel.

“That was really tough,” Perris-Redding told RugbyPass TV at full-time. “I think we made it harder than we needed to, but I’m so proud of the girls. Thank you so much to this crowd, because we honestly couldn’t have done it without you guys.

“Definitely closer than we’d like. We’ve got a lot of hard work to do now. We’re back on the ground next weekend. We know what we want to fix and change. Hopefully we can come back even better in Nashville.”

Perris-Redding’s hat-trick at Texas Health Mansfield Stadium was instrumental in taking the Eagles to victory.

Her influence extended well beyond her three tries. She carried the ball a team-high 18 times, made two line breaks and completed 15 tackles, contributing at both ends of the pitch.

Her three tries will be the defining moments for USA supporters, even if the 29-year-old was quick to credit her teammates after the final whistle.

“I think the girls set me up nicely, and I just managed to dot the ball over the line,” she said. “I’m so glad that we could get the win back home. It’s really incredible.”