“My pulse was a steady 70, per my device,” I noted.
Somehow Mel Bosman kept her composure as the USA Women’s Eagles tied 31-31 with Australia the prior Saturday.
The assistant coach is not only responsible for guiding the Eagles’ forward players but also delivers hydration to Sione Fukofuka’s group.
So the prior Saturday in the midst of heavy rainfall, intense action and missed point after attempts, Bosman experienced every instant alongside her players as they endeavored to sustain their chances in the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
“I believe in times similar to these, it’s beneficial for our athletes,” Bosman commented.
“We’re in a struggle, aiming for a spot that allows advancement into the quarter-finals.
“Our aim was to resolve the matter that very night. Unfortunately, we fell short. Yet, we’ve earned an opportunity to fiercely compete for it this coming weekend.”
The lead shifted multiple times from beginning to end the prior Saturday, with Erica Jarrell-Searcy’s try in the 71st minute giving the impression that the USA had ultimately secured their place in the knockout stage discussion.
It had already proven a successful evening for the Eagles, witnessing 21-year-old Fred Tafuna score a trio of tries, in addition to scores from front-row teammates Keia Mae Sagapolu and Hope Rogers.
When Eva Karpani scored in the 74th minute, followed by Samantha Wood’s missed conversion attempt, it meant the Americans’ chances of advancing to the final eight depend entirely on this weekend’s game against Samoa at York Community Stadium.
“There was some disappointment, naturally,” Bosman expressed, describing the team’s feeling at the end. “The last time we faced them in the PAC4 (Pacific Four Series), they defeated us handily (27-19), and we went in as the underdog. Which, I feel, is the ideal position to be in.
“We aimed to secure the win. The failure to accomplish it the prior Saturday is disappointing, but we’re shifting our mindset toward achieving it this coming Saturday. It’s still a reachable objective.”
Facing Samoa, their opponents for this weekend, the Eagles are set to encounter a team that has swiftly become a crowd favorite in the World Cup.
Despite entering the tournament as complete amateurs, the team has demonstrated relentless spirit in the face of 73-0 and 92-3 losses against the Wallaroos and England, respectively.
To maintain their World Cup aspirations, the USA must achieve a significant point difference against the Pacific Islanders and hope that England’s Red Roses defeat Australia convincingly in Brighton to secure a second-place finish in Pool A.
Fixture
Women’s Rugby World Cup
USA Women
Samoa Women
The USA faces a points difference deficit of 135 compared to Jo Yapp’s Australian side, and the Eagles understand they are facing a major challenge this weekend. Yet they are highly motivated.
Prior to commencing the World Cup against England at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, Eagles captain Kate Zackary expressed the team’s aspiration for the semi-finals, and despite their 69-7 loss to the Red Roses in the northeast, Hope Rogers remained optimistic about the future.
“We firmly believe in our capability to reach the quarter-finals,” Bosman stated. “We’re definitely skilled enough to do so. We are channeling the energy from our environment, focusing internally and stating that this centers on us.
“Our opposition is not the focus. It’s what we have command over: our method, our strategies. We have dedicated significant effort over the past couple of years to reach this point.
“The morale within the team is strong. A noticeable sense of calm prevails, which is certainly beneficial, based on my experience. Approaching this match, we know exactly what we need to accomplish. We are pursuing points, aiming for a substantial score.”
It’s nearly been three years since Bosman’s initial involvement with the Eagles.
The New Zealander has established a significant coaching reputation with the Tasman Mako, in addition to serving as assistant coach for the Hurricanes Poua in Super Rugby Aupiki.
Throughout this tournament, the 49-year-old’s impact is evident in various standout performances by the Eagles. Erica Jarrell-Searcy’s two appearances in England have significantly increased her standing, two-time MA Sorensen Award recipient Freda Tafuna has started to gain global recognition, and players such as Kate Zackary, Rachel Johnson, and Hope Rogers have consistently displayed their high-caliber performance in Test rugby.
In the past, these players’ exceptional qualities were clearly visible. However, it is only since Bosman’s influence that players have become more outspoken about their ambition to be recognized among the world’s elite.
Prior to the World Cup, Hope Rogers expressed her ambition to be known as the premier loosehead prop in women’s rugby, having already been named in the World Rugby Women’s 15s Dream Team of the Year twice.
This increased confidence is largely credited to Bosman. As a two-time World Cup champion herself, the Kiwi coach endeavors to unlock the full potential of her players in every interaction.
“Initially, they were quite reserved,” she mentioned. “I’m very forthcoming in expressing my views. Transparency and honesty are central to my coaching approach.
“I’ve had experiences as a player with both commendable and personally challenging coaching styles. Drawing from these experiences, I aim to embody the kind of coach I longed for during my formative years.
“I never feign perfection or having everything figured out. Authenticity is paramount. When feeling vulnerable, I openly express my emotions.
“I’ve realized through past heartaches at home, most recently the loss of Shane Christie, that concealing my true feelings prevents me from being the best support when my players need me most.
“In my coaching environment, I ensure a genuine atmosphere, without which the approach is ineffective.”
There is a certain symmetry to Bosman’s coaching presence at this World Cup. Fifteen years ago, she was the Black Ferns’ starting tighthead prop when the team secured their fourth World Cup title, also the last World Cup held in England.
A decade and a half later, women’s rugby and women’s sports have undergone remarkable transformations. During the 2010 World Cup final, she played before 13,253 attendees at the Twickenham Stoop. At this year’s tournament opener, she was on the sidelines in front of 42,723 supporters in Sunderland.
While standing on the touchline of a stadium thousands of miles from home, Bosman was able to enjoy the energy of a record-setting night and reflect on the advancements made since her debut as a 14-year-old wing for Wellington in 1990.
“I felt a degree of pride, honestly,” she remarked. “It wasn’t just the joy of being involved without the need for peak physical condition, but as a 35-year participant in the growth of women’s rugby.
“It was a truly proud moment. I took a moment for reflection on the sideline while the players were in the changing rooms, realizing how far the game has progressed.
“Fifteen years ago, the attendance would have been a fraction of what it was. Yet, the passion among those participating was identical. Completely the same.”
