Eagles Push NZ, But Black Ferns Win WRWC Semi
Eagles Push NZ, But Black Ferns Win WRWC Semi
The final score in the Women's Rugby World Cup semifinal was New Zealand 45, USA 12, but that result didn't tell the whole story on Tuesday in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
The final score in the Women's Rugby World Cup semifinal was New Zealand 45, USA 12, but that result didn't tell the whole story on Tuesday in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
For 70 minutes, the Eagles gave the four-time world champion Black Ferns all they could handle at Kingspan Stadium, and New Zealand, which saw its lead cut to 11 points at 23-12 in the second half, had some real concerns.
The USA brought a tough, physical attitude and a quick-strike ability to this semifinal and wasn't really out of it until the final 10 minutes, when New Zealand reeled off three tries to pull away.
The Black Ferns scored an early try that might have signaled a long day for the USA, but the Americans quickly buckled down. The Eagles responded with a long period of possession and scored on a powerful run from Naya Tapper and a lovely over-the-head pass from Cheta Emba to Kristen Thomas to set up a 7-5 lead midway through the first half. But New Zealand, with one of the best attacking threats in the game in Portia Woodman, came back and scored twice to lead 15-7 at the break.
In the second half, the Black Ferns added to their tally to take a 23-7 lead, but a charging run from the USA's Alev Kelter brought five back. It wasn't until past the six-minute mark that New Zealand would get another try, and of course, in the final 10 the Black Ferns ran in three more.
But in a lot of ways it was one of the more impressive performances by the USA women's national team. The Eagles were right there with New Zealand for most of the game and certainly looked like they belonged. And, crucially, if you care about that sort of thing, the USA did better against New Zealand than Canada did in pool play.
In other action, Canada belted Wales 52-0 to make the fifth-place final against Australia, which beat Ireland. And England beat France 20-3 to make the Cup Final. That means the USA takes on France for a chance at third on Saturday.
For 70 minutes, the Eagles gave the four-time world champion Black Ferns all they could handle at Kingspan Stadium, and New Zealand, which saw its lead cut to 11 points at 23-12 in the second half, had some real concerns.
The USA brought a tough, physical attitude and a quick-strike ability to this semifinal and wasn't really out of it until the final 10 minutes, when New Zealand reeled off three tries to pull away.
The Black Ferns scored an early try that might have signaled a long day for the USA, but the Americans quickly buckled down. The Eagles responded with a long period of possession and scored on a powerful run from Naya Tapper and a lovely over-the-head pass from Cheta Emba to Kristen Thomas to set up a 7-5 lead midway through the first half. But New Zealand, with one of the best attacking threats in the game in Portia Woodman, came back and scored twice to lead 15-7 at the break.
In the second half, the Black Ferns added to their tally to take a 23-7 lead, but a charging run from the USA's Alev Kelter brought five back. It wasn't until past the six-minute mark that New Zealand would get another try, and of course, in the final 10 the Black Ferns ran in three more.
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But in a lot of ways it was one of the more impressive performances by the USA women's national team. The Eagles were right there with New Zealand for most of the game and certainly looked like they belonged. And, crucially, if you care about that sort of thing, the USA did better against New Zealand than Canada did in pool play.
In other action, Canada belted Wales 52-0 to make the fifth-place final against Australia, which beat Ireland. And England beat France 20-3 to make the Cup Final. That means the USA takes on France for a chance at third on Saturday.