Eagles hammered by Black Ferns in Chicago

The USA Women’s Eagles were hammered by the New Zealand Black Ferns in Chicago today, falling to a 67-6 defeat. The world champions were impressive romping past a new-look USA side to a comprehensive victory.

Played at Soldier Field, the home of NFL’s Chicago Bears the fixture was a part of the Rugby Weekend triple header. Part two and three involve men’s internationals with Ireland facing Italy and the USA Men’s Eagles facing the Maori All Blacks.

Kate Zackary captained a side with no fewer than 13 debutants. It was a challenging debut for the new faces with the New Zealanders playing impressive rugby right from the kick-off.

Within the opening minute of play New Zealand had a try. The USA would fight back to open their own account via a penalty. It was followed by a period of play in which the Eagles had opportunities though they were unable to convert them into points.

At the other end of the field New Zealand went over for their second try of the match. It came from a lineout and from the kick-off they went over again to rapidly notch up a 21-3 advantage.

New Zealand’s fourth try came after a near miss from either side. Jordan Gray-Matyas broke tackles only to be stopped short of scoring for the home side. Shortly thereafter the USA broke down the touchline to go closer to scoring. A maul would result in New Zealand’s forth score and with it a 26-3 lead.

With the first half coming to a close the USA were awarded a penalty from a scrum. The shot at goal was taken by Kimber Rozier who made it a 26-6 scoreline at the interval.

Any signs of the Black Ferns letting the Eagles back into the match in the second half were quickly squashed. Back-to-back scores had New Zealand up to a 30 point lead early in the second half.

They were not yet done. In addition to preventing a certain Eagles try the Black Ferns would go on to score four further tries to run out 67-6 winners.