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After a few days off to recuperate from two one-sided defeats, the Women’s Eagles are back in action on Wednesday against familiar foes Canada. The two sides spent 10 days training together in May but will have to put any burgeoning friendships aside as this time it’s the real deal.
Rob Cain has not been afraid to rotate his USA lineup and he does so again with nine personnel changes to the run-on side. Catie Benson, Joanna Kitlinski, and Charli Jacoby are the new front row, the latter earning her first test start. Kristine Sommer takes over from Stacey Bridges at lock, and Rachel Johnson is in for Joyce Taufa on the flank.
Recalled at flyhalf is Gabby Cantorna in place of Katana Howard. Alev Kelter switches to fullback in the absence of injured Bui Baravilala, with Eti Haungatau and Emily Henrich paired in the midfield. Bulou Mataitoga tags out with Jennine Duncan handed the start on the left wing. It’s another 4-4 split on the bench with Asinate Serevi recalled to the 23.
Cain says the learning phase will continue for the rest of tourament.
“We have made some great strides this year alone with the increase in time spent together from regional Training, high performance camps, and competition assemblies. Yes, we do still have some distance to travel but it’s not as far to come as some may think.
“Over the next two rounds, we are still looking to give players experience, reviewing combinations, and using this event as a core development opportunity for us as individuals and as a team. If we can get the ball to stick a bit more, then fans will see some exciting tries for sure”
Canada’s near-miss against England has cost them captain Laura Russell with Gillian Boag starting at hooker. Squad rotation sees Courtney Holtkamp and Fabiola Forteza recalled to the starting pack with Jacey Grusnick and Gabrielle Senft swapping to the bench.
Lori Josephson starts at scrumhalf in place of Brianna Miller, and the three-quarters are entirely changed. Amanda Thornborough and Anais Holly partner in the centers with Sabrina Poulin and Irene Patrinos named on the wing. Elissa Alarie leads the side for their final match of the Super Series.
Kickoff is set for 5:15pm local time, 8:15pm Eastern. A live broadcast is available on FloRugby. Tickets are available now on the USA Rugby site.
USA
1 Catie Benson, 2 Joanna Kitlinski, 3 Charli Jacoby, 4 Kristine Sommer, 5 Alycia Washington, 6 Rachel Johnson, 7 Elizabeth Cairns, 8 Kate Zackary (capt.), 9 Ashlee Byrge, 10 Gabby Cantorna, 11 Jennine Duncan, 12 Eti Haungatau, 13 Emily Henrich, 14 Kristen Thomas, 15 Alev Kelter
Replacements: 16 Hope Rogers, 17 Nick James, 18 Asinate Serevi, 19 Stacey Bridges, 20 Olivia Ortiz, 21 Amy Talei-Bonté, 22 Katana Howard, 23 Bulou Mataitoga
CANADA
1 Olivia DeMerchant, 2 Gillian Boag, 3 DaLeaka Menin, 4 Tyson Beukeboom, 5 Courtney Holtkamp, 6 Fabiola Forteza, 7 Janna Slevinsky, 8 Sophie de Goede, 9 Lori Josephson, 10 Taylor Black, 11 Sabrina Poulin, 12 Amanda Thornborough, 13 Anaïs Holly, 14 Irene Patrinos, 15 Elissa Alarie (capt.)
Replacements: 16 Veronica Harrigan, 17 Maude Laliberté, 18 Ngalula Fuamba, 19 Jacey Grusnick, 20 Gabrielle Senft, 21 Brianna Miller, 22 Alex Tessier, 23 Paige Farries
Date: Wednesday, July 10
Venue: Elite Athlete Training Center, Chula Vista
Kickoff: 17:15 local (20:15 Eastern)
Referee: Rebecca Mahoney (NZRU)
Assistants: Amy Perrett (ARU) & Hayley Aguiar (USAR)
Broadcasts: FloRugby (USA)
