A Loss, but Eagle Women Closing the Gap

10.06.2024

usa v france wxv 1 2024 rich lam world rugby via getty images

The most likely scenario is that the USA will finish 6th out of six teams in thw WXV 1.

This is after Saturday's results in which Canada defeated Ireland and France defeated the Eagles 22-14.

Now at 0-2, the USA is joined, shockingly, by New Zealand as the only winless teams in WXV 1. England beat New Zealand 49-31 and sit atop the standings.Canada is also at 2-0, while France and Ireland sit at 1-1. Now New Zealand plays France and the USA has a very tough Ireland side to play yet. Even a win there would likely see the Eagles lose out on a high ranking due to points difference.

However, that all obscures the fact that the USA has seen significant improvement. While losing to France is not the desirable outcome, it wasn't unexpected. Rebounding from a 22-0 deficit to score two converted tries and put France under real pressure is another thing entirely.

This is another step forward. This is a team that is getting better, getting closer.

WXV 1 Standings	W	L	T	PF	PA	PD	BT	BL	PTS
England	2	0	0	110	52	58	2	0	10
Canada	2	0	0	67	32	35	1	0	9
Ireland	1	1	0	37	48	-11	1	0	5
France	1	1	0	46	60	-14	1	0	5
New Zealand	0	2	0	58	78	-20	1	1	2
USA	0	2	0	35	83	-48	0	0	0

Tries from Rachel Johnson and, with no time left, Hallie Taufoou, with McKenzie Hawkins converting both, made this a close game and that was a fair. Result. If the Eagles put that much work into what in the end was a hopeless cause, there is much room for optimism.

Executing in the red zone wasn't perfect, and Head Coach Sione Fukofuka said so in a more supportive way—they did create scoring chances; they need to get tries more often.

"Each time we got into our end zone, we were really close to capitalizing which was great, and at the end we scored points with was fantastic. We really wanted to play 80 minutes and close out the back end, and our players who came off the bench today had a real positive impact and allowed us to close off that gap with France in the end."

And so they need to shake things up a bit more, be less predictable.

Again, Fukofuka's words said that in perhaps a softer tone.

"We look to be a little bit more expressive with the ball, so the ball shift in the middle of the field. I was pretty happy with our decision making. Clearly I would like more opportunities in the A zone so we'll be pushing for that more next week."

Fair commentary—execute better in scoring position, be more ruthless, and be more creative. But they are getting better.

Next up the USA plays an Ireland team that has been getting better, but has still historically been a team the Eagles would expect to beat. Except ... Ireland beat New Zealand in WXV 1 Round 1. They beat New Zealand (we figured we'd say it again for emphasis). That changes the expectations a bit. And we'd say now if the Eagles can beat Ireland or be close, that's a solid result.

Finishing 6th out of six? Yes, it's likely. Is that a terrible outcome? It's more nuanced than that.

A Loss, but Eagle Women Closing the Gap

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