Following a torrential rain-soaked clash with Canada in the opening round of the 2022 Pacific Four Series against Canada, the USA Women’s National Team XVs have traveled north to Waitakere for their next fixture against Australia.
Falling to their North American rival in the driving rain, the USA Women’s Eagles now welcome nine additions to the squad as players from the Allianz Premier 15s Final join the player assembly, including that of Captain Kate Zackary. Head Coach Rob Cain today named the match day 23 for the second of three fixtures with several changes from the opening round roster. USA vs Australia kicks off on Saturday, June 11 at 8:15PM ET and will be streaming live on World Rugby YouTube and the Pacific Four Series page of the World Rugby Website.
The Women’s Eagles have not played Australia since the 2014 Rugby World Cup in France, a match the USA won 23-20, with a roster including current Assistant Coach Jamie Burke starting at Prop. Of that 2014 squad, Hope Rogers will again take the pitch against Australia in this Saturday’s match. While certain consistencies can exist within union play, fans can expect an all new marker to unfold for both teams as new rosters, coaching and experience run out this weekend at Trusts Arena. The Wallaroos faced host New Zealand in the first round of this year’s tournament, jumping out to a 10-0 early lead before turning scoring over to the Black Ferns in an eventual 23-10 loss. Both teams will look to regain momentum and find clean footing in this weekend’s fixture. Captain Kate Zackary, Hope Rogers, Rachel Johnson, Carly Waters, Megan Foster, Gabby Cantorna, Alev Kelter, Charlotte “Lotte” Clapp and Jennine Detiveaux have all landed in New Zealand and will provide a supportive boost to the squad as well.
Looking back on the Canada match, Captain Kristine Sommer noted on improving the USA line out, set piece and execution; matters the team has put a focus on and proved to be challenging in the weather. Potential rain is again in the forecast for Waitakere, so the opportunity is there for the USA to take learnings from the first rainy environment, execute phases and look to compete in the possession battle for round two, as they similarly target the go forward battle allowing more space to open up for the outside backs to enjoy.
Saracens Charlotte “Lotte” Clapp will also make her USA debut starting at Wing this weekend. Clapp is capped with England in both 15s and sevens, before engaging the birthright transfer with World Rugby to compete for the United States.
“Thank you to Amy, Mckenzie, Shelby and Sam who have now left New Zealand. They really added to the group and all left their mark. Our new arrivals have come in excited, eager and have matched the original groups energy on the ground in terms of their focus. To now have 28 players on the ground has added a great dynamic to our three training days benefitting all the players.
“Australia are a real threat and have shown over the last two months and three test matches in that window that they can win both the physical battle, kicking battle and enjoy playing to the wide spaces when they are given the opportunity. It’s the first time we have had this match day squad together as a collective, and even though we have only had three days together, we are already starting to see combinations and experience come together.
“As a Collective we are looking to put our best foot forward against Australia, we didn’t ask enough questions of Canada in the middle part of the game and this game gives the players the perfect platform to remedy this so soon.”
The Trusts Arena, Waitakere, New Zealand Broadcast: World Rugby YouTube
| Name | Club | Caps |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Hope Rogers | Exeter Chiefs | 33 |
| 2. Joanna Kitlinski | Sale Sharks | 16 |
| 3. Nick James | Sale Sharks | 17 |
| 4. Jordan Matyas | USA Sevens | 19 |
| 5. Hallie Taufoou | Loughborough Lightning | 4 |
| 6. Elizabeth Cairns | Life West Gladiatrix | 16 |
| 7. Rachel Johnson | Exeter Chiefs | 10 |
| 8. Kate Zackary (C) | Exeter Chiefs | 19 |
| 9. Bridget Kahele | Beantown RFC | 1 |
| 10. Gabby Cantorna | Exeter Chiefs | 10 |
| 11. Jennine Detiveaux | Exeter Chiefs | 8 |
| 12. Katana Howard | Sale Sharks | 8 |
| 13. Alev Kelter | Saracens | 15 |
| 14. Charlotte “Lotte” Clapp | Saracens | uncapped for USA |
| 15. Bulou Mataitoga | Loughborough Lightning | 6 |
| 16. Kathryn Treder | Beantown RFC | 4 |
| 17. Maya Learned | Gloucester-Hartpury RFC | 7 |
| 18. Charli Jacoby | Loughborough Lightning | 10 |
| 19. Kristine Sommer | Gloucester-Hartpury RFC | 18 |
| 20. Kathryn Johnson | Twin Cities Amazons | 4 |
| 21. Carly Waters | Saracens | 8 |
| 22. Megan Foster | Exeter Chiefs | 8 |
| 23. Tess Feury | New York Rugby Club | 9 |
Head Coach | Rob Cain
Assistant Coach | Jamie Burke
Assistant Coach | Kate Daley
Head of Strength & Conditioning | Sylvia Braaten
Head Athletic Trainer | Hilary Stepansky
Assistant Athletic Trainer | Janie Kluempers
Lead Analyst | Callum Howells
Team Manager | Annemarie Farrell
Liaison Officer | Steve Downie
vs Canada | (L) 5-36
The Domain, Tauranga, New Zealand
vs Australia
The Trusts Arena, Waitakere, New Zealand
Broadcast: World Rugby YouTube and Pacific Four Series Web Page
vs New Zealand
Semenoff Stadium, Whangarei, New Zealand
Broadcast: World Rugby YouTube and Pacific Four Series Web Page
