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The USA will play their final World Cup warm-up fixture against England on Saturday. Sandy Park will be the venue, a second home for six Eagles who play their club rugby for Exeter Chiefs.
It’s been a long time since the USA tasted victory over the Red Roses. In 20 previous attempts their only win was the 1991 World Cup Final in Cardiff. England have won all 19 games since, and recent results have been decisive. Their most recent encounter in November resulted in the most ever points conceded in a test by the USA.
Much has changed even in the short time since, however, and both teams field lineups significantly altered from that meeting in Worcester. The Eagles have won two matches in a row and have greater continuity with just two changes to the team that beat Scotland in Edinburgh last weekend.
Both are found in the forwards. Kristine Sommer is a straight swap for Jenny Kronish in the second row. Georgie Perris-Redding comes in on the openside flank with Rachel Johnson switching to the blindside and Jordan Matyas dropping out.
On the bench there are returns for hooker Kathryn Treder and flyhalf Megan Foster. Missing out this week are Jett Hayward and Tess Feury.
England are the world’s top team and haven’t been defeated since March of 2018, a remarkable run of 23 consecutive victories. They are captained by test centurion Emily Scarratt, and feature a mix of first choice and development players.
Hot and sunny conditions are on the forecast which suggests that both sides will be intent on playing expansive rugby. The USA’s attack looked good against Scotland but their defense left holes out wide. The Red Roses are dangerous enough as is without those kinds of lapses. Expect another win for the home side but the margin of victory should be easier on the eyes than their last meeting.
Kickoff is set for 3pm local time, 10am Eastern, 7am Pacific. Viewers located in the USA can watch a live stream provided by The Rugby Network.
ENGLAND
1 Hannah Botterman, 2 Amy Cokayne, 3 Bryony Cleall, 4 Rosie Galligan, 5 Cath O’Donnell, 6 Zoe Aldcroft, 7 Sadia Kabeya, 8 Poppy Cleall, 9 Natasha Hunt, 10 Zoe Harrison, 11 Claudia MacDonald, 12 Tatyana Heard, 13 Emily Scarratt (capt.), 14 Jess Breach, 15 Ellie Kildunne
Replacements: 16 Connie Powell, 17 Maud Muir, 18 Shaunagh Brown, 19 Morwenna Talling, 20 Vicky Fleetwood, 21 Leanne Infante, 22 Helena Rowland, 23 Holly Aitchison
USA
1 Hope Rogers, 2 Joanna Kitlinski, 3 Nick James, 4 Hallie Taufo’ou, 5 Kristine Sommer, 6 Rachel Johnson, 7 Georgie Perris-Redding, 8 Kate Zackary (capt.), 9 Olivia Ortiz, 10 Gabby Cantorna, 11 Lotte Clapp, 12 Katana Howard, 13 Eti Haungatau, 14 Jennine Detiveaux, 15 Alev Kelter
Replacements: 16 Kathryn Treder, 17 Catie Benson, 18 Charli Jacoby, 19 Evi Ashenbrucker, 20 Elizabeth Cairns, 21 Carly Waters, 22 Megan Foster, 23 Meya Bizer
Date: Saturday, September 3
Venue: Sandy Park, Exeter
Kickoff: 15:00 local (07:00 Pacific, 10:00 Eastern)
Referee: Aurélie Groizeleau (France)
Assistants: Doriane Domenjo (France) & Beatrice Benvenuti (Italy)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)
Broadcasts: The Rugby Network
RECENT HISTORICAL RESULTS
2021-11-21 – England 89, USA 0 (Worcester)
2019-06-29 – USA 5, England 38 (Chula Vista)
2017-08-17 – England 47, USA 26 (Dublin)
2016-07-09 – USA 13, England 39 (Salt Lake City)
2015-06-27 – USA 13, England 39 (Calgary)
