The USA Women’s Eagles wrap up their Rugby World Cup preseason this Saturday as they take on the #1 ranked England at Sandy Park in Exeter.
A familiar pitch to a few of the rostered Eagles who play their club game with the Exeter Chiefs, the match will provide a strong marker for the USA who since last playing England, have been through extended daily training assemblies, the Pacific Four Series and a victory over Scotland last weekend. While playing England on their home soil may be a daunting task, this is exactly the matchup the USA want, one month out from departure to the Rugby World Cup. Currently 5th in the World Rugby rankings, the United States will arrive in New Zealand as podium hopefuls and playing the best in the world will be a part of that journey. USA vs England kicks off Saturday at 10am ET, watch it live for free on The Rugby Network.
The last match up with England came at the end of a four-match Fall tour for the USA in November of 2021. The score wasn’t kind to the Eagles, falling 89-0 to a centrally contracted and fully professional Red Roses side on their home turf of Sixways Stadium. This go-round sees a few notable changes to the roster from the November match, where a few players with a season’s experience in the Allianz Premier 15s will run out at Sandy Park, six of which play their club game on the very same pitch with the Exeter Chiefs. Head Coach Rob Cain has made a few changes to the starting fifteen since last week’s 21-17 victory over Scotland, where Kristine Sommer slides in at Lock and Rachel Johnson swaps sides at Flanker. Alev Kelter also remains at Full Back, as she did for the Scotland match. On the list of reserves, Beantown RFC forward Kathryn Treder will have a chance for her sixth cap and Flyhalf Megan Foster will look to play on her home club’s pitch for the USA.
The USA will need to match England’s clinical play early. As a squad that has been in regular assembly since early 2021, the Red Roses will bring a solid chemistry that can set them on a quick pace from the start. The United States however are walking into Exeter as a more cohesive group themselves and have begun to ramp up at just the right time. Loosehead Prop Hope Rogers has been a highlight reel of late, scoring from close range when the USA find themselves powering at the goal line. Scoring in both the Pacific Four Series and twice last week in Edinburgh, Rogers redzone ability is key to the USA putting points on the board and controlling clock as well. The Eagles played well on the set piece against Scotland, particularly the line out, which has been a focus point for Cain’s staff since last fall.
“Last weekend has given us an exciting and strong platform to work from. We showcased how we want to play, how dangerous we can be and the benefit of time as a collective unit. Edinburgh also showed our ability to tactically adapt as a team in real time and at half time.
This weekend gives us another opportunity to showcase this progress, cement combinations and give further opportunities to others who have been working hard but not featured yet. It's been a good week, we’re adding, refining, challenging and working together as we aspire to put on another improved performance against England.”
| NAME | CLUB | CAPS |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Hope Rogers | Exeter Chiefs | 36 |
| 2. Joanna Kitlinski | Sale Sharks | 19 |
| 3. Nick James | Sale Sharks | 20 |
| 4. Hallie Taufoou | Loughborough Lightning | 6 |
| 5. Kristine Sommer | Gloucester Hartpury RFC | 20 |
| 6. Rachel Johnson | Exeter Chiefs | 13 |
| 7. Georgie Perris-Redding | Sale Sharks | 3 |
| 8. Kate Zackary | Exeter Chiefs | 22 |
| 9. Olivia Ortiz | Colorado Gray Wolves | 10 |
| 10. Gabby Cantorna | Exeter Chiefs | 13 |
| 11. Lotte Clapp | Saracens | 3 |
| 12. Katana Howard | Sale Sharks | 11 |
| 13. Eti Haungatau | Lindenwood University | 4 |
| 14. Jennine Detiveaux | Exeter Chiefs | 10 |
| 15. Alev Kelter | Saracens | 18 |
| 16. Kathryn Treder | Beantown RFC | 5 |
| 17. Catie Benson | Sale Sharks | 27 |
| 18. Charli Jacoby | Loughborough Lightning | 12 |
| 19. Evi Ashenbrucker | San Diego Surfers | 2 |
| 20. Elizabeth Cairns | Life West Gladiatrix | 18 |
| 21. Carly Waters | Saracens | 11 |
| 22. Megan Foster | Exeter Chiefs | 10 |
| 23. Meya Bizer | Beantown RFC | 21 |
Head Coach | Rob Cain
Assistant Coach | Jamie Burke
Assistant Coach | Martin Haag
Head Strength & Conditioning | Sylvia Braaten
Head Athletic Trainer | Hilary Stepansky
Assistant Athletic Trainer | Meghan McKay
Lead Analyst | Callum Howells
Team Manager | Paul Santinelli
Liaison Officer | Tim Westwood
Remote Support: Kate Daley, Jenny Liu, Rich Ashfield
USA vs Scotland | (W) 21-17
USA vs England | September 3, 2022 Exeter, ENG | LIVE on The Rugby Network
