USA Rugby Women’s Eagles vs. Ireland

The USA Rugby Women’s Eagles defeated 8th ranked Ireland 19-10 on Sunday, November 18 at Energia Park. The USA have ended their November Internationals, while Ireland’s next match will be against England at Twickenham next Saturday.

After losses to No. 1 New Zealand and No. 2 England to begin the Internationals, the USA Selects then beat England Academy 25-24 and the Women’s Eagles completed the tour with a win against Ireland.

Match Recap

Both teams advanced to within 5-meters of the line, but neither team could score. The USA Women’s Eagles opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a Kimber Rozier try and conversion for a 7-0 lead.

The USA had another scoring oportunity, but a grub kick went into Ireland hands and stopped the attack. The Women’s Eagles would score a try on a second effort by Kaitlyn Broughton to push the lead to 12-0.

Ireland answered back after a turnover with Michelle Claffey offloading to Lauren Sheehan on the wing, scoring a try in her debut to cut the lead to 12-5. That score would remain until the break.

Second Half

The Women’s Eagles increased their lead in the 60th minute after picks by the forwards and using quick hands to Meya Bizer for a try in the left corner. Kimber Rozier then made a clutch kick from touch to increase the lead to 19-5.

Ireland’s teenage debutant, Beibhinn Parsons showed why she is a try scorer, crossing the line, but was held up in-goal. Ireland continued their attack from a 5-meter scrum swinging the ball left and Eimear Considene finishing with a try. Nicole’s Cronin’s conversion was wide.

Although the lead was cut to 19-10, the match ended shortly later.

The USA Rugby Women’s Eagles engaged in a physical match with their forwards. They used line speed to impact Ireland’s attack. Catie Benson, Nick James and Stacey Bridges powered they way with picks and were strong at the breakdown. Rachel Johnson, Jordan Gray-Matyas and Kate Zackary had also strong performances.

In the backs, Kimber Rozier and Meya Bizer were central in the defense and attacked well. When the ball got to the back three of Jennine Duncan, Kelsi Stockert, and Kaitlyn Broughton, they found gaps and had strong runs.

Ireland fought hard until the end and will be pleased by their debutant wing’s Lauren Sheehan performance and with the potential that Beibhinn Parsons showed in the several minutes that she played. In the forwards, Lindsay Peat leadership was evident and both Claire Molloy and Ciara Griffin also had strong performances.

Both teams can take positives from the match and will improve from playing additional matches.

Squads

Ireland: 1. Lindsay Peat 2. Sarah Mimnagh 3. Fiona Reidy 4. Aoife McDermott 5. Ciara Cooney 6. Edel McMahon 7. Claire Molloy 8. Ciara Griffin (capt) 9. Ailsa Hughes 10. Nikki Caughey 11. Laura Sheehan* 12. Michelle Claffey 13. Sene Naoupu 14. Eimear Considine 15. Lauren Delany* 16. Emma Hooban 17. Laura Feely 18. Leah Lyons 19. Nichola Fryday 20. Jeamie Deacon 21. Nicole Cronin 22. Claire McLaughlin 23. Beibhinn Parsons*

USA Women’s Eagles: 1 Catie Benson 2 Katy Augustyn 3 Nick James 4 Stacey Bridges 5. Kristine Sommer 6 Rachel Johnson 7. Kate Zackary (C) 8. Jordan Gray-Matyas 9. Carly Waters 10. Gabby Cantorna 11. Jennine Duncan 12. Kimber Rozier 13. Meya Bizer 14. Kelsi Stockert 15. Kaitlyn Broughton 16. Tiana A’au 17. Azniv Nalbandian 18. Joyce Taufa 19. Alycia Washington 20. Anna Karen Pedraza 21. Evan Hoese 22. McKenzie Hawkins 23. Megan Foster