Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
The USA will face off against Spain on Sunday in their second pool match of the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup. It’s the UCD Bowl once again that will house the match, the same location that saw the Eagles defeat Italy by 24-12 in the opening round on Wednesday.
Head Coach Pete Steinberg has opted for three changes to his starting lineup. Sam Pankey swaps jerseys with Katy Augustyn to start a hooker and try scorer Abby Gustaitis is rewarded with a run-out at lock in place of Alycia Washington.
The positive impact of Alev Kelter sees the sevens star take the No 12 shirt with Sylvia Braaten moved to the bench. Jamila Reinhardt takes Naima Reddick’s spot as reserve prop in the only other alteration.
Spain are looking for their first win of the tournament after being trounced by England to the tune of 56-5. Las Leonas are ranked only marginally below the USA in 8th spot on the official World Rugby Rankings. A bonus-point win will be the minimum requirement for the USA if they hope to make the semi-finals.
Kickoff time is set for 2:45pm local, 9:45am Eastern. The match will be broadcast live by NBC Sports Gold, with a live stream provided by World Rugby for those located outside the USA.
USA
1 Catie Benson, 2 Sam Pankey, 3 Tiffany Faaee (capt.), 4 Stacey Bridges, 5 Abby Gustaitis, 6 Sara Parsons, 7 Kate Zackary, 8 Jordan Gray, 9 Deven Owsiany, 10 Kimber Rozier, 11 Kristen Thomas, 12 Alev Kelter, 13 Nicole Heavirland, 14 Naya Tapper, 15 Cheta Emba
Replacements: 16 Katy Augustyn, 17 Jamila Reinhardt, 18 Hope Rogers, 19 Alycia Washington, 20 Kristine Sommer, 21 Kayla Canett, 22 Sylvia Braaten, 23 Jessica Javelet
