USA number eight Freda Tafuna absolutely shredded Wales, bagging a hat-trick of tries and earning player of the match honors as the USA edged an entertaining WXV contest 26-24 at Cardiff Arms Park. This nail-biter saw Wales’ resurgence hit a wall, while the USA’s winning streak now stretches to three games, showing everyone they are a serious rising force in the women’s game.
Tafuna Just Couldn’t Be Stopped
Seriously, Freda Tafuna was on another level. Her performance was unreal, building on her standout game against Ireland last week. The USA’s powerful pack and driving line-out set the stage for her opening score, blasting through a determined Welsh defense. Then, an opponent knock-on led right to Tafuna’s second close-range effort. Even a controversial moment where replays showed Emily Henrich obstructed a defender didn’t stop the try from standing. But Tafuna wasn’t done, powering over for her third of the afternoon early in the second half. That third try gave the visitors a two-point lead they never looked like giving up in what became a one-sided second half. Erica Coulibaly also crossed the line for the USA, with Vogel perfectly kicking three conversions. It’s clear the Eagles aren’t just winning; they are living up to their status as a top-six side.
Wales Fought Hard, But Errors Were Their Kryptonite
Wales definitely had their moments, battling to stay in the fight with tries from Keira Bevan, Kelsey Jones, Sisilia Tuipulotu, and Alex Callender, plus two conversions from Bell. Tuipulotu’s score was her third in two games, showing some serious individual talent. But man, the hosts struggled to find any real rhythm. Handling errors and indiscipline kept creeping into their game, giving the USA crucial opportunities. A knock-on from the restart, for example, immediately gifted the USA possession, leading directly to Coulibaly’s try. Even after a clean line break from co-captain Kate Williams and Amy Williams threatening down the wing, they just couldn’t hold onto momentum. They were starved of possession and territory in the second half, and their set-piece, both scrum and line-out, was clearly creaking. They battled hard, powering Jones and Tuipulotu over for scores, and Callender finished off a try after a perfect grubber from George and a turnover, but it just wasn’t enough to hold back the surging USA.
The USA’s three-game winning streak is no fluke; they are consistently proving their dominance. For Wales, it’s back to the drawing board to build again before they head to Japan next month. Meanwhile, the USA looks absolutely locked in, ready to continue their rise in the WXV Global Series.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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