USA Women's Eagles chase first four-match winning run since 2006 against Italy in Texas

The USA Women’s Eagles can set a new benchmark for their programme on Saturday when they host Italy in Texas, with a fourth straight Test win — something the side has not managed since 2006 — within reach.

The Eagles arrive at the home leg of their WXV Global Series campaign on the back of victories over Ireland and Wales in Europe, results that followed their July win over the Springbok Women. Head coach Jack Hanratty has made changes to his starting XV, with Kaipona Bailey set for her first start in the back row alongside co-captain Georgie Perris-Redding and Freda Tafuna. Bulou Mataitoga comes into the backs, pushing Telesi Uhatafe to the left wing, while Ashley Cowdrey starts at full-back. Abigail Paton and Nina Mason continue at half-back, with Bella Vogel and Emily Henrich in the centres.

Hanratty credited the squad’s growing confidence to the way they closed out tight matches on tour. “We worked hard in Ireland and Wales and closing out two Test matches brings such confidence to the group,” he said. “We have had some squad rotations and changes but since day one, we have said if we are going to challenge the top nations we are not looking to develop a world-class team but a world-class squad.”

Italy arrive with a reshuffled lineup of their own. Sale Sharks centre Beatrice Rigoni makes her first start for the Azzurre in over 13 months, partnering Blagnac’s Alyssa D’Incà in midfield. Alia Bitonci and Emma Stevanin form the half-back pairing, with Francesca Granzotto, Aura Muzzo and captain Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi in the back three.

Benetton Rugby Treviso flanker Mascia Jelic is set for her international debut, starting in the back row alongside Francesca Sgorbini and Elisa Giordano. In the front row, Vittoria Zanette fills in at loosehead prop with Silvia Turani sidelined through injury, while Vittoria Vecchini and Alessia Pilani also start. Giulia Cavina and Giordana Duca form the second-row partnership.

The match represents a significant test for both sides. For the Eagles, it is an opportunity to demonstrate that their recent form represents a genuine step forward rather than a run of favourable results. For Italy, a win on the road against a side building momentum would signal their own ambitions in the global women’s game.