Tafuna hat-trick ends Eagles 20-year wait for three-game winning streak

The USA Women’s Eagles have won three games in a row for the first time in 20 years, with a performance that head coach Jack Hanratty branded as “brilliant”.

On Saturday afternoon, the USA head coach watched his team pick up a 26-24 WXV Global Series win against Wales in Cardiff.

The victory backed up last week’s win against Ireland. Combined with their July victory over the Springbok Women in Pretoria, it means the North Americans have won three games on the bounce for the first time since 2006.

Freda Tafuna was named Player of the Match for a second week running in Saturday’s victory. The 23-year-old scored a hat-trick in the Welsh capital, with her 52nd-minute try ultimately proving to be the difference between the two teams.

Trailing 24-21 at the break, the USA held their hosts at bay for the entire second half in an impressive display of defensive discipline.

Wales’ four first-half tries came from Keira Bevan, Kelsey Jones, Sisilia Tuipulotu and Alex Callender, while the Eagles’ points came through Tafuna’s first two scores and Erica Coulibaly’s try, all of which were converted by Bella Vogel.

In a much closer second half, Tafuna’s score ultimately handed the USA a win.

Jack Hanratty, USA Women’s Eagles head coach, said: “We were brilliant in the first 20 minutes, which was a work on from last week. We showed massive attacking moments – especially with Erica’s try. But, we let Wales back into it, and they are a well drilled and physical side.

“Looking ahead, we’ll certainly go over the last 10 minutes, and how we want to finish a game. But, we found a way and we are going home two from two. It’s not easy to win on the road.”

It was at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2006, hosted in Canada, that the Eagles last achieved the feat. Winners of the tournament in 1991, their inauspicious 18-0 loss to England in St. Albert was followed by wins against Ireland and back-to-back victories against Australia. To conclude the tournament, the Eagles beat Scotland in the fifth-place play-off.

The result sends the Eagles into their October Tests against Italy and the Red Roses on a high note.

The Eagles will play the Azzurre in Texas and Tennessee before finishing their year against England at New Jersey’s Sports Illustrated Stadium.

Player of the Match Freda Tafuna believes the team’s spirit has been key to their recent success.

“Wales definitely gave us a game and honestly I don’t know what to say I’m just tired,” Tafuna said.

“Once we got the new staff our team found a way to get close. Everyone knows how to connect on and off the field and that’s what I think is so special about our team.

“We are confident going into Italy, but we definitely need to stay humble, we’re still proving that we are a top six team in the world.”