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How much do you know about England's first opponents- the US Eagles?
In terms of Red Roses knowledge ahead of their home World Cup, you think you know your Lucy from your Marlie Packers, and can name each item England’s Crochet Club concocted for their Spring Summer 25 campaign.
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Before kick-off, you’re to be found leant languidly against the bar, ruminating the conundrum that is ‘(Holly) Aitchison versus (Zoe) Harrison’ – whilst ever-alert to opportunities to spruce up less esoteric conversations with your own bountiful Red Roses knowledge.
‘Don’t fret, ladies: Claud (MacDonald) was actually a very accomplished nine for years upon leaving Durham University, so Mitch (John Mitchell) *has*, in fact, got scrum-half cover. Kelsey (Clifford) plays both sides, too – by the way. As you were.’
But what about when talk turns to England’s opponents? Just how clued-up is your chat then?
Each week, we’ll run the rule over the outfit tackling rugby’s ultimate Herculean task: derailing an indomitable juggernaut with home advantage, whilst figuring out what on earth to do with Sarah Bern.
First up – having winged their way right across the pond and into Sunderland: the US Eagles.
Cue the music, cue Anne-Marie.
World Cup history: The USA are the only team, besides England and the Black Ferns, to lift this most hallowed pot – doing so during the inaugural, 1991, edition.
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They suffered the sting of silver in ’94 and then again in ’98 – but what they’d give for such accolades these days – having not surpassed fourth since.
Just the one pool stage victory was enough to see them quarter-finalists last time out, but their playoffs were short-lived, as they were swatted aside by neighbourhood bogeywomen – Canada.
The tumble from heavy to welterweight has been inarguable, but this group aren’t concerned with the past: not with all they might catalyse for USA Rugby’s future.
With a home World Cup to savour in 2033, and a vast and vaunted talent pool at their disposal, there’s a potent legacy piece here, and – in the words of talismanic skipper, Kate Zackary – a door to be kicked ‘wide open.’
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Last World Cup cycle: Played 23. Won six. Drawn one. Lost 16.
It’s not a glowing report card – and five of those victories were against this tournament’s minnows – but there’s one result which matters above all, and sets up Pool A quite beautifully: last year’s 32-25 win over Australia in Melbourne.
Not only did the Eagles overturn a 14-point deficit against a side who’d thrashed them 12 months ago, but the result clinched third in 2024’s Pacific Four – and an invaluable tilt at WXV1’s big dogs that Autumn.
They would go on to be so competitive against both France and Ireland that they left the field bereft at not having taken either scalp – and will truly believe they’ve the Wallaroos’ number on August 30th, when they collide in York over – you suspect – the remaining quarter-final berth.
That faint hum? Turnstiles, whirring with unprecedented voracity out in the US of A. These women are smashing attendance records like Rachel Johnson smashes rucks – in no small part down to their reams of creative, moreish content. As a group, these Eagles feel more accessible and personable than ever – and that matters.
There’s also the small matter of an Olympic bronze. Spiff Sedrick’s historic hurtle across Paris and onto the rostrum secured the programme infamy, prominence, and funding – and Alev Kelter and Ilona Maher will look to carry all of that self belief into the Roses’ thorny fortress.
Coach: USA Rugby received over 90 applications to fill Rob Cain’s shoes, and settled on Sione Fukofuka in November 2023. They loved his energy, player-first approach, and track record in nurturing raw talents in touch, 7s, and 15s – plus his ambition to take their programme’s professionalism and cohesion to new levels.
Fukofuka loved the set-up’s ‘huge potential’ – something he’d observed first-hand as Wallaroos Assistant Coach. He saw athleticism, physicality, and passion in spades – and, with the right technical and tactical improvements, a return to the summit of the sport.
The Australian’s under no illusions – this is a treacherous pool – but has stressed that Friday night is a privilege, and one which comes with very little pressure. The brief? ‘Play with freedom.’
As for that crunch match with the Wallaroos: who better to unpick those green and gold jerseys than someone who was imbedded, with great success, within that very system?
Squad overview: 18 forwards and 14 backs. A blend of fresh faces – with 15 World Cup debutants making the trip – and seasoned campaigners like Hope Rogers – set to beam and bulldoze her way through a fourth tournament. 20 athletes familiar to Premiership Women’s Rugby fans, a pair of Olympic medalists, and one Dancing with the Stars runner-up.
Star players: Bulou Mataitoga and Tahlia Brody hit like trains, Lotte Sharp is all kinds of rugby smart, and Georgie Perris-Redding – if she can rediscover form quickly enough after being forced to wait 428 day between caps – is essentially the Tasmanian Devil with a great high pony.
There are threats everywhere, but the quartet to really put up in lights are Hope, Kate, Alev, and Ilona. Rogers is well on her way to being the best loose head the women’s game has ever seen, Zackary’s work rate is towering and leadership fabled, Kelter hits patches where she’s simply unplayable, and her burgeoning midfield combination with Maher will give even the Red Roses much to ponder. To a formidable woman, they’re game-breakers.
Fun fact: No – we’re not done writing about Rogers. (We might even write about her next week when the focus is ostensibly Samoa. Let’s see.)
Hope’s earned more caps than any US Eagle in history – and that’s not including the ones she has in sevens… as a loose head. She’s scored 47 tries in her 48 outings for Exeter Chiefs – and a 30-minute hat trick against the Wallaroos in May. She’s got a box squat one rep max of 205kg (aka a male gorilla), and a 117kg bench press (aka much better than yours).
Her nickname is ‘Santa’ (for her love of Christmas)- only this icon delivers all year round – and her stats are ridiculous: wheel them out ahead of what should be a fabulous World Cup opener, and savour the ensuing awe.
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