Zackary sees positives despite defeat

By Mark Stevens
15/7/23

USA Eagles Women's captain Kate Zackary believes things are moving in the right direction for her side, despite losing their last Pacific Four encounter with New Zealand in Ottawa.

In a dominant first half display from the Eagles, they led 17-5 thanks to converted tries from Freda Tafuna and Rachel Johnson, plus a McKenzie Hawkins penalty.

The world champions, however, were a different beast after the break and having got on the scoresheet in the firts half through Philippa Love, they added further scores from Amy du Plessis Ruahai Derment, Arihiana Marino-Tauhini, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u and Grace Gago.

Renee Holmes slotted three conversions and a penalty.

Post-game, Zackary - who was joined by fellow Chiefs Johnson and Charli Jacoby - said: "we were buzzing going into this match, the first half this team was absolutely electric. I think everyone in the stands and at home felt it, things were clicking that haven’t quite yet, and I think that’s a testament to what’s to come in the future.

“We kind of knew where we are going into WXV, so looking at this game alone it was mainly just to get the experience, get the minutes under our belt and be better for the upcoming matches.”