USA Steals One in Cardiff as England Holds Off New Zealand

The USA pulled off the finish of the WXV day, beating Wales 26-24 after surrendering an early 14-0 lead. Freda Tafuna scored twice inside the opening 20 minutes and completed her hat trick in the 52nd. Wales answered with four tries from Keira Bevan, Kelsey Jones, Sisilia Tuipulotu and Alex Callender, while Erica Coulibaly also crossed for the Americans in a first half that ended 24-21 to Wales. Tafuna’s third put the USA back in front, and the defense made it stand, giving the Eagles three straight wins.

England won the day’s heavyweight matchup, beating New Zealand 26-19 at Allianz Stadium. The Black Ferns led 12-7 at halftime behind tries from Amy du Plessis and Ayesha Leti-I’iga, but England answered with Ellie Kildunne immediately after the restart and Jess Breach in the 54th minute. Mererangi Paul’s 70th-minute try tied it 19-19 before Zoe Harrison intercepted a pass after the full-time siren and ran in the winner. Harrison then converted her own try to complete the seven-point victory. The result put England back in the win column after Canada’s 26-26 draw ended its 39-match winning streak last weekend.