The USA Women's National Team finished off a rigorous fall tour with a 19-10 defeat of Ireland at Energia Park in Dublin.

The Eagles were coming off two test losses, to New Zealand (in Chicago - see On-Demand), and England (in London - see On-Demand), but had bounced back with a 25-24 defeat of England's developmental XV in the middle of the week.

The young USA squad finally got Rob Cain his first test victory thanks to tries from Kimber Rozier, Kaitlyn Broughton, and Meya Bizer, with Rozier converting both for a 19-10 win.

Ireland threatened early and had a lineout just five meters from the USA line. The USA stopped the attack, but were pinged for a penalty, and the next lineout was a misfire for the Irish. The ball landed in the hands of No. 8 Jordan Gray-Matyas, and from there the Eagles opted to run out of their own 22. Broughton sliced through and linked with wing Jennine Duncan, who was almost away, but was hauled down five meters from scoring.

Ireland got out of trouble after forcing a knock-on, but the USA kept the game inside the Irish half, and eventually mauled well into the Ireland 22. That produced a penalty, Carly Waters tapped quickly, fed Kate Zackary, who dished to Rozier for the try.

The USA found itself backed up against its line again, and battled hard in goalline defense. Ireland went over, but Broughton was under the ball, and Ireland was pinged for a forward pass anyway, and it remained 7-0.

Both teams had other prime scoring opportunities, but mistakes and penalties hurt each team. Finally, with about seven minutes left in the half, the Eagles threatened and sent it wide. Broughton had help outside but took it herself, was tackled, but got up and went over. The try was allowed, but Irish fans would be excused for feeling hard-done-by.

Still, the try counted and the USA led 12-0.

Just before halftime, Ireland struck back. The Eagles turned the ball over in the backline around midfield, and the ball was sent quickly out to debutant Laura Sheehan, and the wing put on the jets and scored in the corner.

That made it 12-5 at the break. 

The second half started with the USA on the front foot and threatening. But it wasn't until midway through the second half that they got that third try. Bizer took a bouncing ball and raced through for about 40 meters. The Forwards consolidated, punched up close to the line, and then a superb quick pass from substitute flyhalf McKenzie Hawkins allowed Bizer to dive over in the corner. Rozier made the very difficult touchline conversion to put her side up y 14 at 19-15.

It was too much to ask of Ireland as the USA defense was very solid. The Irish sent  Eimear Considine over but that was well after full time. The Eagles had capped off the tour with a solid defensive effort, and a few tries, but perhaps a feeling that there were more opportunities to take advantage of.

? REACTION | Head Coach @Rc1Beast was thrilled following the Women’s Eagles huge victory over Ireland. pic.twitter.com/snhxEqafe5

— USA Rugby (@USARugby) November 18, 2018

USA 19
Tries: Rozier, Broughton, Bizer
Convs: Rozier 2

Ireland 10
Tries:  Sheehan, Considine

.S. Women’s National Team Starting Roster 

U.S. Women’s National Team Reserves