Hanratty targets three straight wins as USA Women name squad to face Wales in WXV

USA Women’s Eagles head coach Jack Hanratty has named his squad for the WXV Global Series fixture against Wales at Cardiff Arms Park, targeting a third consecutive international victory after last week’s 40-36 statement win over Ireland in Dublin.

The sixth-ranked Eagles face an eleventh-placed Wales side in confident form, having put eight tries past South Africa in a 50-19 victory. Hanratty acknowledged the scale of the challenge, noting that Wales “showed massive dominance and look like they have a new DNA” under head coach Sean Lynn, and flagging a six-day turnaround for the USA compared to eight days for the hosts.

“A win can be massive for the group and although we were in a battle, the energy since last week has been vibrant — not just because of the win but because of the potential,” Hanratty said. “We have the opportunity to go three international wins in a row, which is no easy feat, but this is a real challenge.”

Hanratty has made measured changes to the starting XV. Nina Mason, who made her USA debut off the bench against Ireland, is promoted to fly-half, with Abigail Paton alongside her at scrum-half. Bella Vogel shifts to inside centre and Emily Henrich moves to outside centre to accommodate Mason’s inclusion.

The front row retains the combination of prop Hope Rogers, hooker Kathryn Treder and Keia Mae Sagapolu-Senele — a trio that contributed three tries between them against Ireland. Hallie Taufoou and Rachel Ehrecke continue in the second row.

Co-captain Georgie Perris-Redding again leads the back row, flanked by Hann Humphreys and last week’s player of the match Freda Tafuna. Erica Coulibaly, Telesi Uhatafe and Kayla Canett form the back three.

Off the bench, co-captain Erica Jarrell-Searcy is named alongside Chloe Hill-Huse, Alivia Leatherman, Reece Woods, Kapoina Bailey, Cassidy Bargell, Katana Howard and Tessa Hann.