Paris, France – The USA Women’s Eagles are now in Paris, set for the their re-match against France. Team USA played Italy last weekend, then took in the New Zealand vs Italy Men’s match before heading off to play France in Orleans Wednesday past. Coach Pete Steinberg shared his thoughts prior to that match on his blog:
“This evening in Orleans we play France in the second tour match. The reception in Orleans has been great with posters around the town publicizing the game. The Orleans Rugby club is hosting the event and has a wonderful pitch with seating for 2,000. They hope to fill it for the game..”
Team USA was impressed the reception they received from the their hosts in the friendly city of Orleans. Here’s Coach Steinberg:
“The team had a mayoral reception yesterday before an afternoon practice which went well. We have made 9 changes from the team that played Italy, however it is not a second team. We do not know our best side yet and the players that step out on the field are playing not only to win, but also to be in the squad that plays France in the Stade de France.”
Our analysis of the final match:
FRANCE : The USA lost on Wednesday night by a score of 13-0. Coach Steinberg touched on a very key point going into that midweek match versus the French Women (or the France Feminines as they prefer). Here’s what Steinberg said:
“The French are putting out a young side against us, however only 1 player that is starting has not been capped. The French get about 10 tests a year with the 6 Nations and the European Championships providing 8 of them every year. The USA will have 3 in 2011 and 3 in 2012, which is not enough, however it is all we can afford.”
France will be putting out an even more experienced side this time, as the match will be the curtain-raiser to the France vs Samoa Men’s match. This squad will produce a bit more punch in attack and defense. However, the Team USA will likely re-shuffle the deck and put forth a starting side with more experience and put their less-experienced players on the bench for when things loosen up later in the game. Then there’s the rest factor. This time both teams will be on short rest and the Eagles won’t be traveling from Italy to France. Granted, we may have our Stars & Stripes-tinted glasses on, but we predict a USA victory in a tight match. The Eagles will soar in Paris.
As Coach Steinberg mentioned, the Women’s Eagles have a shoestring budget to work with. The team is still looking for support to cover the cost of the current tour. If you have not donated, please consider doing so at https://usawomensrugby.org/support-usa/donate/.
P.s… We’d like to congratulate our friend and fellow New York Rugby Club member Rosie “R2” Miesner on making the roster for this tour. She came off the bench against Italy and started in the midweek match-up vs France. We fully expect at third cap for here this weekend plus a victory! Go get’em, R2!
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