Talking points: Bella Vogel shines as USA overcome Italy in Texas

The USA Women’s Eagles’ extended their unbeaten WXV Global Series 2026 campaign with a 36-27 win over Italy in Texas.

The result means the Americans have now beaten three Guinness Women’s Six Nations teams this autumn, having previously defeated Ireland and Wales in September.

Jack Hanratty’s team can call themselves the form team in women’s Test rugby, with four consecutive wins under their belts. They will have a second shot at Italy next week in Nashville before concluding 2026 by hosting the Red Roses in New Jersey.

In the immediate aftermath of Alyssa D’Incá’s missed penalty for Italy, the Eagles opened the scoring. After working their way deep into their opponents’ 22, a series of carries helped USA co-captain Georgie Perris-Redding cross the line. Bella Vogel converted.

The visitors responded immediately through Francesca Granzotto. The Exeter Chiefs wing’s grounding was closely scrutinised by the match officials at Texas Health Mansfield Stadium as she spun over the try line.

The Eagles extended their lead when Vogel dropped her shoulder in midfield to send the hosts surging forward. The teenager then passed to star No. 8 Freda Tafuna, who offloaded to Perris-Redding to score her second try.

For their third and fourth tries in Texas, the Eagles turned to a tried-and-tested source of points. Returning to their forward-dominated, smash-and-grab style of play, Hope Rogers crashed over twice in the space of five minutes. On the stroke of half-time, Vittoria Vecchini made the most of good field position to register her 17th Test try from close range.

The second half was much more even. It took just six minutes for Perris-Redding to complete her hat-trick. But what followed was a significant shift in momentum, allowing the Europeans to gain a foothold in the game.

First came a thrilling try from Aura Muzzo. Then, while Telesi Uhatafe was in the sin bin, Vittoria Zanette crossed the line from close range. In the 60th minute, Italy replacement loosehead prop Giorgia Cuoghi was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle.

A Vogel penalty in the 76th minute put the game out of Italy’s reach, meaning Granzotto’s second try of the afternoon proved to be a mere consolation.

Here are three talking points from the Eagles’ win in Texas…

Bella Vogel is a generational talent

Bella Vogel’s arrival has certainly got people talking. Still a teenager, the back now has eight Test caps and looks remarkably comfortable taking on some of the most tried-and-tested operators in the game.

When she was first given the nod, what stood out about her inclusion was that the Life University student was playing out of position at fly-half. Usually deployed at inside centre, Vogel made her debut against the Black Ferns and remained there until the Eagles’ second Test against the Springbok Women in July.

Now, with Nina Mason — another Life University player — installed as the principal playmaker, Vogel has been able to exert greater influence on the game. She has also displayed a more dynamic running game, while showing off her two-footed kicking and impressive range of passing.

This year, Vogel has also featured for the USA U20s and Falcons. Her development has continued with each passing week. To say she is impressive would be a considerable understatement. Just how high the 19-year-old’s ceiling is remains unclear — and that is hugely exciting.

Italy were never truly down and out

The overriding emotion for Italy after this defeat must be frustration. When they strung passes together and broke the gain line, their attacking play was excellent. The problem was that we did not see enough of it.

The statistics offer an obvious explanation for their defeat. They turned the ball over 15 times in 80 minutes — a costly tally against a team like the Eagles, who thrive on possession and territory.

It also means Italy have lost two of their three WXV Global Series fixtures this autumn. Their win over Japan a month ago already seems a long time ago.

That victory against the Sakura Fifteen showcased everything the Azzurre aspire to be and what they are capable of achieving. Plinio Sciamanna’s main challenge is to unlock that potential more consistently.

Rock ’em sock ’em rugby

In previous years, one of the major criticisms of the USA was that they could be one-dimensional. They relied heavily on a forward-oriented game and lacked a convincing plan B. Under Jack Hanratty, however, the Eagles appear to have developed a more varied and fluid style of play — something we saw on the turf on Saturday night.

The Eagles have clearly identified their strongest ball-carriers. Freda Tafuna touches the ball more than any other North American player and was also her team’s leading tackler. Those contributions underline why the 23-year-old has entered the conversation as one of the best back-rowers in the world.

The Eagles’ ability to recognise when to run and when to carry into contact kept Italy guessing throughout Saturday’s match, just as it did against Wales and Ireland in September. And if all else fails, they can rely on their set-piece to provide a stable platform from which to attack.

It is scintillating to watch and has allowed the USA to become a much more complete team – the total package. Their 207 post-contact metres, 10 line breaks and 172 carries underline that progress.

The biggest criticism that can be levelled at the USA is their ability to retain possession. In Texas, the side conceded eight penalties and lost the ball nine times by full-time. Those issues ultimately gave Italy a route back into the game in the second half. Against England in a fortnight’s time, that sort of tally could prove damning.