The USA Women’s Eagles are set to take on the mighty New Zealand Black Ferns in the final match of the 2025 Pacific Four Series, a thrilling showdown that promises to be a defining moment for both teams. Scheduled for tonight, May 23, 2025, at 11:30 PM ET at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland, this clash is more than just a game—it’s a chance for the Eagles to test their mettle against one of the world’s top rugby teams and make a bold statement ahead of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. With fierce determination, new talent, and a growing fanbase, the Eagles are ready to soar. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting matchup.
A Tough Road to the Finale
The Pacific Four Series has been a challenging yet rewarding journey for the USA Women’s Eagles. Ranked No. 9 in the world, the Eagles have faced stiff competition from top-tier teams like Canada and Australia. Their campaign kicked off in Kansas City with a hard-fought match against Canada, drawing a record-breaking crowd of 10,518—the largest ever for a women’s rugby match in North America. Despite falling short against the No. 2-ranked Canadians, the Eagles showed significant improvement, proving they’re a team on the rise.
Last weekend, the Eagles faced Australia’s Wallaroos in Canberra, where they put up a spirited fight. Prop Hope Rogers stole the show with an impressive hat-trick of tries, but the Eagles ultimately lost 27-19 in a match marred by controversy. Star player Alev Kelter was sent off for a dangerous play, resulting in a three-match ban, which means she’ll miss tonight’s finale. Despite the setback, the team’s resilience and physicality were on full display, narrowing the scoreline to just eight points against a tough opponent.
Now, the Eagles are in Auckland, ready to face the No. 2-ranked Black Ferns, a team they haven’t beaten since 1991. This matchup is a golden opportunity for the USA to measure themselves against one of the best and fine-tune their game plan before the World Cup in August.
The Black Ferns: A Formidable Foe
The New Zealand Black Ferns are a powerhouse in women’s rugby, known for their physicality, speed, and tactical brilliance. As the reigning Pacific Four Series champions and one of the favorites for the 2025 Women’s World Cup, they’re a daunting challenge for any team. The Black Ferns are coming off a dramatic draw against Canada last week, where they rallied in the final moments to tie the score at 27-27, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
Coach Allan Bunting has made eight changes to the Black Ferns’ starting lineup for this match, bringing in sevens stars like Jorja Miller and Risaleaana Pouri-Lane, who are transitioning to the 15-a-side game. The midfield duo of Theresa Setefano and Stacey Waaka, both World Cup veterans, will add experience, while the back three—Katelyn Vahaakolo, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, and Braxton Sorensen-McGee—are expected to bring flair and firepower. Sorensen-McGee, a teenage sensation, scored two tries on her debut against Australia, signaling the depth of talent in this squad.
The Black Ferns are hungry for a bonus-point win to reclaim the Pacific Four title, as they hold a slight edge over Canada in points differential. With the home crowd behind them at North Harbour Stadium, they’ll be a force to be reckoned with.
Eagles’ Game Plan: Grit and Opportunity
Despite the odds, the USA Women’s Eagles are approaching this match with confidence and a clear strategy. Head Coach Sione Fukofuka has emphasized the team’s physicality and set-piece play as key weapons against the Black Ferns. “We know what the Black Ferns will bring,” Fukofuka said. “They’re physical, fast, and well-coached, with a passionate home crowd. We’re preparing to match that energy and bring our Eagles’ DNA—being physical, using the ball well, and seizing opportunities to score.”
The Eagles’ lineup features fresh faces, with Sariah Ibarra, Paige Stathopoulos, and Freda Tafuna earning their first series starts. Ibarra will don the No. 10 jersey, taking on the crucial playmaker role, while McKenzie Hawkins shifts to the center position, a role she’s played before. Aliva Leatherman joins the reserves, ready to make an impact off the bench. The absence of Alev Kelter is a blow, but it opens the door for others to step up.
The Eagles are focusing on their defensive foundation, which has been a strength throughout the series. They plan to disrupt the Black Ferns’ set pieces and capitalize on any mistakes to spark their attack. With players like Ilona Maher, a rugby superstar with a massive social media following, and veteran Hope Rogers, who holds the record for the most caps in Eagles history, the team has the leadership and talent to challenge New Zealand’s dominance.
Ilona Maher: The Face of USA Rugby
No conversation about the USA Women’s Eagles is complete without mentioning Ilona Maher. The 28-year-old Olympic medalist has become a global ambassador for women’s rugby, with over 5 million social media followers and a magnetic presence on and off the field. Maher is expected to earn her fifth cap tonight, bringing her unique blend of power and charisma to the pitch. Despite being heavily targeted by opponents—like Australia’s “swarm of golden bees” that shut her down last week—Maher remains a game-changer for the Eagles.
Her return to the 15s game after focusing on sevens has been a major boost for the team. Maher’s ability to draw attention creates space for her teammates, and her physicality in the midfield will be crucial against the Black Ferns’ experienced backline. As she shared in a recent interview, Maher is ready for the challenge: “The Black Ferns are a tough team, but we’re here to fight and show what we’re made of.”
Why This Match Matters
The Pacific Four Series is more than just a tournament—it’s a critical stepping stone for the Rugby World Cup. For the Eagles, this finale is a chance to gauge their progress against elite competition and build momentum for England in August. The Black Ferns, as defending world champions, are using this match to fine-tune their squad and integrate sevens players into the 15s format. Both teams are under pressure to perform, making this a must-watch clash for rugby fans.
The Eagles’ journey in the Pacific Four Series has been about growth and resilience. From setting attendance records in Kansas City to battling top teams abroad, they’ve shown they’re not far off the world’s best. A strong performance tonight could silence doubters and boost their confidence heading into the World Cup, where they’ll face Australia again in the same pool.
What to Expect
Expect a high-energy, physical battle at North Harbour Stadium. The Black Ferns will likely dominate possession and territory, using their speed and set-piece prowess to create scoring chances. The Eagles, however, have the tools to counter with a stout defense and opportunistic attack. If they can disrupt New Zealand’s rhythm and capitalize on turnovers, they could keep the scoreline close and maybe even pull off a historic upset.
For fans in the USA, the 11:30 PM ET kickoff might mean a late night, but it’s worth staying up for. The match will be streamed on RugbyPass TV, offering a front-row seat to this epic encounter. With players like Ilona Maher and Hope Rogers leading the charge, and new talent stepping into the spotlight, the Eagles are ready to leave it all on the field.
A Bright Future for USA Rugby
Win or lose, the USA Women’s Eagles are building something special. The “Ilona Maher Effect” has brought new fans to the sport, and record crowds in Kansas City show that women’s rugby is gaining traction in the USA. With the country set to host the Men’s Rugby World Cup in 2031 and the Women’s in 2033, the Eagles’ performance in the Pacific Four Series is laying the foundation for a rugby revolution.
As they prepare to face the Black Ferns, the Eagles carry the hopes of a growing fanbase and a nation eager to see them soar. Tonight’s match is more than a game—it’s a chance to show the world that the USA Women’s Eagles are ready to compete with the best.
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