The United States women’s rugby team secured a significant victory on Saturday, defeating Samoa 60-0 in York. This win keeps the Eagles in contention for a place in the quarterfinals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, with 10 tries being scored.
The team is currently competing against Australia for the final quarterfinal spot, both tied on points. They trail behind already-qualified England. The U.S. could advance based on points difference if Australia loses to England by 76 or more points later on Saturday and does not earn a bonus point.
“It’s going to be tight. I’ll be cheering for England,” stated U.S. captain Kate Zackary. “At the end of the day, we put our whole hearts on the line; that’s all I can ask for. Wherever the chips fall, we’ll pick up the pieces tomorrow.”
Flanker Freda Tafuna was a standout performer, scoring four tries. Although she had previously achieved a hat trick against Australia in a 31-31 draw the prior week, one of her tries was attributed to prop Hope Rogers, the Eagles’ most capped player, who also scored two tries against Samoa.
Tafuna initiated the scoring early, with a remarkable try from her own half just six minutes into the match. The Eagles quickly amassed the necessary four-try bonus point by the 27th minute. Gabriella Cantorna took over goalkicking duties after McKenzie Hawkins missed her first three attempts, successfully converting five out of seven tries.
Samoa, appearing in their first World Cup in over a decade, displayed commendable effort throughout the match. During a brief period when U.S. replacement wing Kristen Bitter was in the sin-bin, Samoa made a concerted effort, but the Eagles’ defense held firm. Notable defensive plays included flanker Georgie Perris-Redding’s tackle that stripped Samoa of possession and captain Zackary’s try-saving tackle on Samoa’s Taytana Pati Ah-Cheung.
Tafuna’s fourth try marked a milestone for the U.S., as it was their first time scoring over 50 points in a World Cup match in 15 years.
Canada’s Victory Over Scotland
In another match, Canada maintained its unbeaten record in the tournament by overpowering Scotland 40-19 in Exeter, securing a spot in the quarterfinals.
Although underdog Scotland managed to make Canada miss 27 tackles, Canada consistently found another gear, with emphasis on performance from its forwards. Of Canada’s six tries, five were scored by front-row players, including a penalty try awarded after Scotland collapsed a pushover attempt illegally.
Hooker Emily Tuttosi was named player of the match for scoring two tries. Both Canada and Scotland had already qualified for the quarterfinals after victories against Fiji and Wales. Canada, winning Pool B, will face either England, Australia, or the United States in the next round, while Scotland is set to play against the expected Pool A winner, England.
McKinley Hunt opened the scoring for Canada, with Scotland responding through wing Rhona Lloyd during their only visit to the 22 in the first half. A second try for Hunt was denied due to a foul by Scotland No. 8 Evie Gallagher, who was subsequently yellow-carded. Canada capitalized during this time, scoring the penalty try from a dominant scrum.
Canada continued their scoring momentum into the second half, with Tuttosi adding another try, followed by contributions from replacement props Brittany Kassil and Olivia DeMerchant. Scotland’s Francesca McGhie managed to score her sixth try of the tournament, tying Julia Schell of Canada for the tournament lead.
