Kelter warns Eagles not to underestimate 'wounded' Red Roses as USA chase historic sixth win

Alev Kelter has cautioned the USA Women’s Eagles against treating England’s Red Roses as easy prey when the two sides meet at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Friday, with the Americans chasing a sixth straight Test victory — their longest winning run in two decades.

The Eagles secured their fifth consecutive win last weekend in Nashville, Tennessee, their fourth of the WXV Global Series. It is the first time the USA have strung together five Test wins in a row since 2006, a run that began with a 26-19 comeback victory over South Africa at Loftus Versfeld in July after being beaten 43-21 at Ellis Park the week prior.

“I tend to stay away from comparisons with previous years and just focus on the present,” Kelter told RugbyPass. “What I can say is, what we are doing is working. The buy-in and belief in the younger generation — giving those players game time — have been key focuses this year.”

The streak has been built on a foundation of depth and squad renewal under first-year head coach Jack Hanratty. After a September that included a win over Ireland in Dublin and a hard-fought victory in Cardiff against Wales, back-to-back home wins over Italy rounded out a remarkable domestic run. The Eagles had entered the year with a third-place finish in the Pacific Four Series and exited the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 with a record of one win, one draw and one loss.

Central to the team’s evolution is 19-year-old back Bella Vogel, who this week became the first USA international ever nominated for World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year. Comfortable kicking with either foot, possessing an excellent passing range and capable of orchestrating Test matches at international level, the Life University student has started all nine of the USA’s Tests in 2026.

“There’s a level of confidence in this younger generation,” Kelter said. “They’ll have a go at anything. There’s a playfulness and joy about them.”

Abigail Paton and Nina Mason have also impressed, with Kelter pointing to a collective ambition that extends well beyond the current matchday squad. “We don’t just want an amazing 15, 23 or 32 players. We want a squad depth of 50 or even 100 players who are reliable, ready and willing to put the jersey on when called upon — not just depth in Test matches, but depth under pressure.”

Despite the momentum, Kelter was clear that the Eagles cannot afford complacency against England. The Red Roses arrive at Sports Illustrated Stadium as one of the world’s premier rugby nations, and Kelter’s message to her teammates is that a team of their calibre is never truly down regardless of recent form.