The USA Falcons overcame Brazil in São Paulo on Saturday, winning 19-7. Played at the Estádio do Nacional, the uncapped match was a vital component of Brazil’s preparations for the Women’s Rugby XV (WXV), the world league. The two teams will meet again on Wednesday, August 12 at the same venue.
As Yaras and the USA Women’s Falcons took to the field on Saturday in the first of two matches. It was the first of four matches for the Brazilians before the WXV. After facing the USA Falcons, Brazil will play two times against South Africa in late August.
Saturday’s battle in São Paulo was the sixth meeting between Brazil and the USA in Women’s International competition. Brazil entered with a 3-2 winning record. This is no more with the teams now splitting overall results 3-3. This sets up an intriguing re-match on Wednesday.
The first-half was an even contest in São Paulo. However, the USA Falcons had the better of territory. Left winger Makayla Wilkins scored the only try of the half. It was otherwise a solid 40 minute defensive performance from As Yaras.
The second-half saw the USA Falcons lifting their game. The North Americans scored two tries with No. 8 Tahlia Brody and replacement Sayler Russell both running in tries. It put the visitors in form control with a 19-5 lead.
Brazil hit-back to score the final points of the afternoon. Flanker Marina Fioravanti scored for Brazil from a lineout to maul move. Veteran fly half, Raquel Kochann added the conversion.
BRAZIL (7)
TRY – M Fioravanti
CON – R Kochhann
USA FALCONS (19)
TRY – M Wilkins, T Brody, S Russell
CON – B Vogel (2)
BRAZIL
1 Samara Vergara, Júlia Leni, 3 Giovana Mamade, 4 Mariana Neves, 5 Marcelle Souza, 6 Milena Mariano, 7 Mariana Fioravanti, 8 Mariana Moreira, 9 Luiza Campos (capt.), 10 Raquel Kochhann, 11 Thalita Costa, 12 Rafaele Zanellato, 13 Carolyne Pereira, 14 Lohana Valente, 15 Fernanda Tenório
Replacements: 16 Patrícia Lima, 17 Juliana Silva, 18 Franciele Barros, 19 Giovanna Barth, 20 Larissa Carvalho, 21 Eshyllen Coimbra, 22 Gisele Gomes, 23 Leila Silva, 24 Adriana Féliz, 25 Emi Pereira, 26 Geovanna Pereira, 27 Giovanna Braz, 28 Pâmela Santos
USA FALCONS
1 Lauryn Carlton, 2 Chloe Hill-Huse, 3 Reece Woods (capt.), 4 Malia Isaacs, 5 Cindy Taulava, 6 Lissa Salisbury, 7 Kennedy Feasibly, 8 Tahlia Brody, 9 Abigail Paton, 10 Bella Vogel, 11 Makayla Wilkins, 12 Hehea Pulotu, 13 Tessa Hann, 14 Alopa Nau, 15 Karina Gauto
Replacements: Sam Brackett, 17 Jordynn LeBeau, 18 Reece Moody, 19 Courtney Taylor, 20 Sayler Russell, 21 Sadie Schier, 22 Tiara Padilla, 23 Nina Mason, 24 Molly McAlevey, 25 Morgan Freeman, 26 Katelyn Walker
Referee: Taís Balconi (BR)
Assistant Referees: Letícia Martins (BR), Erika Weiss (BR)
