Women’s Eagles Rally From Early Deficit to Defeat Ireland 40–36
The USA Women’s Eagles opened their WXV Global Series campaign with resilience, power, and a dramatic second-half surge, overcoming an early Irish advantage to secure a 40–36 victory over Ireland at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin.
The result delivered more than an opening win. It demonstrated the Eagles’ ability to adjust under pressure, trust their systems, and draw on the strength of their entire match-day squad.
Ireland controlled much of the opening 20 minutes, crossing the try line three times and forcing the Americans to respond from the back foot. Instead of allowing the early deficit to define the match, the Eagles settled into their structure and increasingly turned to one of their most effective weapons: the set piece.
Ireland Strikes Early
Playing at home, Ireland immediately applied pressure with a fast, clinical attack that broke through the USA defense for a try in the sixth minute.
Ireland continued building momentum through its maul and attacking phases, putting the Eagles under considerable pressure throughout the opening quarter.
The Americans finally found their breakthrough in the 24th minute. Georgie Perris-Redding collected the ball from the base of a tight ruck and powered across the line for the USA’s first try.
Ireland responded, but Hope Rogers brought the Eagles back into the contest with a powerful carry through the Irish defense.
At halftime, Ireland remained in control on the scoreboard, leading 26–12, but the USA had begun establishing the physical platform that would transform the second half.
The Eagles Find Another Gear
The USA emerged after halftime with renewed conviction.
Rather than abandoning their approach because of the scoreboard, the Eagles doubled down on their set-piece execution. Their driving maul became increasingly difficult for Ireland to contain, allowing the Americans to steadily erase the deficit.
Kathryn Treder became central to the comeback, scoring consecutive tries from driving mauls in the 56th and 64th minutes following two successful lineouts.
Suddenly, Ireland’s once-commanding advantage had been reduced to five points.
The USA also introduced Nina Mason at fly half, marking her Women’s Eagles debut. Mason stepped into the contest during a critical period and helped maintain the team’s momentum as the pressure intensified.
A Full 23-Player Performance
Head Coach Jack Hanratty credited the victory not simply to the starting lineup but to the impact delivered throughout the entire roster.
“It was a 23 job today. The impact of the bench was surreal. One of the best feelings is the fact that the 23 got a victory, not just the starting 15.”
Hanratty also emphasized the adjustments the Eagles made after allowing Ireland too much freedom early in the contest.
The second half brought improved body height, stronger carries and smarter decision-making as the USA players increasingly took ownership of their individual responsibilities within the larger system.
That collective response became particularly important as the match entered its decisive stages.
USA Takes Control
An Irish yellow card created another opening, and the Eagles capitalized.
Kapoina Bailey helped set up Hallie Taufoou from close range, allowing Taufoou to cross the line before Bella Vogel added another conversion.
For the first time, the USA moved ahead, 33–31.
The momentum had completely shifted.
Then came another defining moment.
Player of the match Freda Tafuna spotted space in the Irish defense after a sharp assist from Abigail Paton. Tafuna attacked the gap and powered through for the try.
Vogel converted again, stretching the American advantage to 40–31 and providing a crucial nine-point cushion.
Ireland refused to surrender.
The hosts crossed the line again in the 79th minute, reducing the USA advantage to four points and creating one final dramatic sequence.
Ireland went searching for another try, but when possession eventually returned to the Americans, the Eagles found touch and closed out the 40–36 victory.
Key Takeaways From Dublin
- USA overcame a 26–12 halftime deficit to complete a major second-half comeback.
- Kathryn Treder scored twice as the Eagles’ driving maul became a decisive attacking weapon.
- Georgie Perris-Redding, Hope Rogers, Hallie Taufoou and Freda Tafuna also contributed tries.
- Bella Vogel converted five tries, adding important points throughout the contest.
- Nina Mason made her USA Women’s Eagles debut at fly half.
- Freda Tafuna earned player-of-the-match honors after contributing a critical late try.
- The Eagles demonstrated significant bench depth, turning the contest into what Hanratty described as a complete 23-player performance.
Cardiff Comes Next
There will be little time for the Women’s Eagles to celebrate.
The team now travels to Cardiff, Wales, where it will face Wales on Saturday, September 26, at Cardiff Arms Park. The match is scheduled for 10:00 AM ET / 5:00 PM local time.
Following the European portion of the campaign, the USA will return home for an October assembly and three matches on American soil.
USA Women’s Eagles — WXV Global Series Schedule
Ireland 36 – USA 40
Tallaght Stadium | Dublin, Ireland
USA Tries: Perris-Redding, Rogers, Treder (2), Taufoou, Tafuna
Conversions: Vogel (5)
Wales vs. USA — Saturday, September 26
Cardiff Arms Park | Cardiff, Wales
10:00 AM ET | 5:00 PM Local
USA vs. Italy — Saturday, October 17
Texas Health Mansfield Stadium | Mansfield, Texas
6:00 PM ET | 5:00 PM CT
USA vs. Italy — Saturday, October 24
GEODIS Park | Nashville, Tennessee
4:15 PM ET | 3:15 PM CT
Doubleheader with USA Men vs. AUS XV
USA vs. England — Friday, October 30
Sports Illustrated Stadium | Harrison, New Jersey
5:15 PM ET
Doubleheader with USA Men vs. AUS XV
A Statement to Begin the Series
The scoreboard tells the story of a four-point victory, but Dublin offered something more significant for the Women’s Eagles.
They were challenged early. They fell behind. They were forced to make adjustments against a confident home side.
And they responded.
Through disciplined set pieces, physical carries, an increasingly dominant driving maul and meaningful contributions from the bench, the USA transformed a difficult opening into a memorable international victory.
With Wales awaiting in Cardiff and three home fixtures scheduled for October, the Eagles leave Dublin with an important opening result—and evidence that when all 23 players contribute, this team can respond when the pressure is at its highest.
Sports Report David Rosales
