Nations Cup Match Reports from Second Round

After an overnight delay due to heavy storms and tornado warnings, the second round of Nations Cups matches took place on Sunday, August 4th.

The first match of the day pitted South Africa and England, each winless so far in the competition. This match definitely didn’t disappoint! The first half showcased a spirited South African side that amassed 17 points. England was slow to respond at times and only managed one try by Amy Wilson-Hardy. At halftime the Springboks were up 17-7.

After the break, England got on the board with three points after taking advantage of a South African penalty. As in their first match of the Nations Cup campaign, England only had a few minutes left to grasp the win, if at all possible. England went back to basics and structured a fast moving maul where Rochelle Clark scored the match-winning try. England 18 South Africa 17.

This scoreline is especially interesting, looking back in 2005, England defeated South Africa 101-0. Spring forward 8 years and England scrapes by to win by one point!

Read England’s match report here.

Read South Africa’s match report here.

Watch the match video here.

The second match of the day pitted USA against Canada. This has always been a fierce rivalry, especially since the USA defeated Canada at the 2010 RWC 23-20 to secure fourth place. At the 2011 Nations Cup, Canada avenged their loss as they defeated the USA 35-17. As the only two teams with a win under their belt, you could feel the tension rising as the teams took the pitch.

The match started a bit rocky as both teams missed key penalty kicks for early points. USA was able to score a try through flanker, Lynelle Kuglar though to get five points on the board. Play would go back and forth until the 25th minute when winger Natalie Marchino out paced the Canadian defense to put the USA up 10-0. At the 30th minute, Outside Center, Emilie Bydwell was yellow carded for not rolling away. Canada took advantage quickly and executed a perfect maul for a try right before halftime, USA 10 Canada 5.

After the break and several USA subs, a pair of Eagles tries came from replacement prop Sarah Chabot. Canada had several almost tries but the USA were able to contain their breaks through the work of Braaten, Riggenburg and Marchino. Towards the end of the match, the Eagles game plan took a turn as they concentrated on time management and using their forwards to control the pace of the game. A last try was scored by Kristin ‘Hamm’ Zdanczewicz & Meya Bitzer converted for a final score of USA 29 Canada 17.

Congrats to Jamie Burke, who earned her 40th cap today!

Read USA Rugby’s match report here.

Read Canada’s match report here.

Watch the match video here.

The next set of Nations Cup matches are on Aug 7, 2013! Don’t forget that all the matches will be webcast & you can join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook by using #NationsCup.

View the entire schedule, results and available rosters here.