England emphatically put recent struggles behind them in the WXV Global Series on Friday, routing the USA 55-12 to preserve a dominant head-to-head winning streak that extends back 35 years.
Claudia Moloney-MacDonald starred for the world champions with four tries, helping the top-ranked side rebound swiftly from consecutive defeats to Canada. While those recent losses demonstrated that the world’s elite programs have narrowed the gap with England, Friday’s lopsided encounter underscored that a substantial divide remains between the global powerhouse and teams outside the top three.
The USA entered the fixture carrying strong momentum, having mounted a five-match winning streak that featured notable victories over Wales and Ireland. Anticipation surrounded standout No. 8 Freda Tafuna, who has emerged as one of the tournament’s most dynamic performers. Yet the English defensive structure effectively contained Tafuna’s threat.
Despite resilient individual efforts from teammates Alev Kelter and Hope Rogers, the tournament hosts lacked the necessary depth and firepower to challenge the world champions.
The historical precedent remains firmly intact. The Eagles’ last triumph against the Red Roses occurred during the 1991 Rugby World Cup. In the decades since that milestone, England has claimed victory in all 22 encounters between the two nations.
