New Zealand’s Black Ferns will play in a competitive game in North American soil for the very first time when they hit the road to face the Women’s Eagles of the USA. The Black Ferns emulated their male counterparts by winning the 2017 women’s rugby WC.  The team has been posting ever-improving results since inception and they will be looking to build further with all eyes on the 2021 WC. Here we focus on Black Ferns vs USA Women’s Rugby 3rd Nov 2018 Game Preview. The game considered as the 2018 Rugby Weekend Tripleheader.

NZ Women’s Tour to USA Women’s Eagles Schedule, Kickoff Time, How to Watch

Black Ferns is in an overall good shape coming into this game and will look to assert their dominance in world rugby when they line up against the USA Women’s Eagles. The Eagles will take to the pitch for the first time since their 3rd place playoff in the 2017 Rugby WC against France. Let’s have a look at the Saturday Game Schedule.

  • What: Black Ferns vs USA Women’s Rugby 3rd Nov 2018 Game
  • When: Saturday, 03rd November 2018
  • Where: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
  • Kickoff: 19:00 GMT, 12:00 Local
  • Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa)
  • Television Match Official(TMO): Marc Nelson (USA)

How was the last match of New Zealand Women’s Rugby?

In the previous game that was played at the Eden Park on 25th Aug, the Black Ferns were runaway victors as they dismantled Australia in an emphatic fashion with a final score of 45-17. The hosts grabbed tries via A. Itunu, P. Love, E. Blackwell, T. Fitzpatrick, S. Winiatta, and R. Wycliffe. Additionally, K. Cocksedge scored a try and put five conversions over to ensure the Ferns were comfortable winners.

Black Ferns Line-Up for Rugby Weekend Tripleheader vs USA Women’s Eagles

The Black Ferns’ Lineup features three new young faces in the form of A. Leti-l’iga, K. Moataane, and M. Natahlia.

Captain F. Faamausili, E. Blackwell, L. Elder, A. Itunu, L. Itunu, P. Love, M. Charmaine, N. Alesha, J. Ngan-Woo, Ngata-Aerengamate, M. Parkes, Patea-Fereti, L. Perese, A. Savage, S. Charmaine, and Cristo Tofa are the forwards selected for the November tours. The selected Backs include A. Chelsea, K. Cocksedge, K. Cottrell, K. Demant, R. Demant, A. Leti-l’iga, K. Moata’ane, M. Natahlia, K. Sue, T. Monica, S. Waaka, R. Wickliffe, and S. Winiata.

What happened in the previous game of USA Women’s Rugby?

In the previous game, the Eagles lost 31-23 to France to finish 4th in the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup. They conceded tries that were scored by Corson, Mayans, Mignot, Le Pesq, and Annery. However, they grabbed tries via Cheta Emba and Gustaitis. Alev Kelter was perfect with the boot as she recorded a hundred percent conversion rate. She put 2 conversions and 3 penalties over for a total of 13 points to reduce the deficit for the Eagles.

USA Women’s Eagles Line-Up to face NZ Women’s Rugby

The Eagles have seen a major overhaul of the squad with only nine players who took part in last year’s WC making the cut for this year’s Nov. Tours.

Captain Kate Zackary, C. Waters, A. Washington, T. Joyce, S. Mckenna, S. Kelsi, S. Kristine, S. Frankie, K. Rozier, M.Rom, Anna Pedroza, N. Azniv, D. Lovelace, L. Sarah, K. Cortney, K. Nikki, J. Rachel, J. Nick, E. Hoese, H. Emily, H. McKenzie, H. Eti, G. Misha, G. Jordan, F. Megan, F. Mellisa, D. Jennine, G. Cantorna, B Kaitlyn, B. Stacey, Amelia Bizer, B. Catherine, A. Kathryn, and Tiana A’au.

Head To Head Clash

Black Ferns vs USA Women’s Rugby clashes held for 7 times with the Black Ferns winning 6 while the USA Women’s Eagles won 1.

Both sides Key Players to Watch

Focusing veterans for Black Ferns vs USA Women’s Rugby for first Saturday of November meeting are as follows.

  • NZ Women’s Rugby: The Black Ferns’ Cpt Faamausili was very influential in their successful WC campaign and in their last match against the Wallaroos. He will be looking to lead his side to another victory over the Women’s Eagles.
  • The USA Women’s Eagles Rugby: Being one of the remaining players in the squad and having been elevated to a captaincy, Kate Zackary will be eager to prove her leadership qualities and her general influence over the game when they line up against the World Champions.

Black Ferns vs USA Women’s Rugby Prediction for 3rd Nov Game

The Ferns have averaged 40.5 points against the Eagles, while the Eagles have an average of 5 points per game against New Zealand. The highest winning margin is New Zealand 88-8 USA. Being that USA a fresh looking team, it will be a tough outing for them and we don’t see them picking a result against the Buoyant New Zealand women’s side.

Pick: Women’s Eagles 12-40 Black Ferns.

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