France take out series win

The series had been tied at one game all but France did just enough in a game played in front of a big crowd, to take the win and wrap up the series.

The game was played as part of a double-header with USA men taking on Tonga afterwards.

Having struggled to start well in the previous two games, the home side were hoping to get off to a good start and they did just that. The impressive Sadie Anderson broke through the French defence in the second minute with a great break, and the Eagles dominated early possession.  Anderson had an opportunity to put the Eagles on the board first with a penalty kick but it was just wide.

France came back hard at the hosts and in the 20th minute were over the line twice before being held up by stern defence. Finally the French broke through with a try that was barrelled over the line by the pack

Meya Bizer opened up the French defence in the 25th minute with a weaving run into the attacking half of the field, but made a poor decision to pass when she went into contact. She ended up turning over the ball, though France knocked it on to end any threat from the counter attack.

Anderson missed another penalty in the 30th minute but made up for it with a great switch play two minutes later to set up Ashley Kmiecik for a try.  Anderson made the conversion from the touchline to level the match at 7-7.

The Eagles had one last opportunity a few minutes before the end of the half when a clearance kick was knocked on by France in terrific field position. Nothing came of it, however, sending the teams halftime even at 7-7.

France converted two of four penalties through Aurelie Bailon in the first 20 minutes of the second half to increase the lead to 13-7 before adding a try in the 64th minute--putting the match seemingly out of reach for the Eagles at 18-7.

The Eagles got a fantastic individual try from a marauding Erica Cavanaugh to draw within a try at 12-18, but even with a player up after a French yellow card, the Eagles could not find another score.

USA will host the Nations Cup in July and August in their next games.

USA:1, Chobot Sarah; 2, Augustyn Katy; 3, Burke Jamie; 4, Blaney Sharon; 5, Walsh Sarah; 6, Bridges Stacey; 7, Kugler Lynglle; 8, Turley Shaina; 9, Tseng Jossy; 10, Anderson Sadie; 11, Kmeciek Ashley; 12, Peterson Anne; 13, Bonny Megan; 14, Cavanaugh Erica; 15, Bizer Meya.Replacements: 16, Wagner Kitt; 17, Rogers Hope; 18, Reddick Nai; 19, Zdanczewicz Kristen; 20, Daley Kate; 21, White Carrie; 22, Stolba Hannah; 23, Street Amanda

France:1, Ezanno Hélène; 2, Mignot Gaëlle; 3, Chobet Christelle; 4, Rabier Sandra; 5, Koïta Assa; 6, Diallo Coumba; 7, Grand Laëtitia; 8, Ndiaye Safi; 9, Yahe Marie-Alice (C); 10, Bailon Aurélie; 11, Heguy Céline; 12, Godiveau Lucille; 13, Agricole Sandrine; 14, Fourcade Laurelin; 15, Tremouliere Jessy.Replacements: 16, Sainlo Joanna; 17, Arricastre Lise; 18, Portaries Elodie; 19, Corson Lénaïg; 20, Pin Sophie; 21, Rivoalen Yanna; 22, Rousseau Clémence; 23, Parra Audrey