WXV 2 : Toutes les sélections sont désormais connues pour l'Afrique du Sud
Les Samoa sont la sixième et dernière équipe participant à la première édition du WXV 2 à confirmer son groupe de 30 joueuses pour le tournoi.
Après leur rencontre excitante à Parme samedi, le Japon et l’Italie ont annoncé leurs équipes pour la première édition du WXV 2, qui se déroulera en Afrique du Sud entre le 13 et le 28 octobre.
L’Afrique du Sud a déjà révélé la composition de l’équipe qui représentera le pays hôte. Babalwa Latsha sera la capitaine d’un groupe expérimenté à Stellenbosch et au Cap.
De son côté, le sélectionneur de l’Écosse, Bryan Easson, avait inclus trois joueuses non capées dans son groupe avant d’être contraint de procéder à un changement, Sarah Law remplaçant Holly McIntyre, qui s’était blessée à l’entraînement.
Les Etats-Unis se rendront en Afrique du Sud avec une solide sélection comprenant un certain nombre de joueuses qui évoluent dans l’équipe féminine d’Angleterre de Premiership Rugby.
SAMOA
Cassie Siataga, qui a marqué tous les points des Samoa lors de leur victoire 19-18 sur les Fidji pour remporter le Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship 2023 et assurer leur place dans le WXV 2, a été retenue dans l’équipe de 30 joueuses qui participera à la compétition en Afrique du Sud.
Sui Pauaraisa a été la capitaine des Manusina lors de ce triomphe et fera également partie de l’équipe du tournoi.
Avants : Rereglory Aiono, Maletina Brown, Tiara-Lee Fanuatunu, Avau Filimaua, Ana Mamea, Sosoli Talawadua, Angelica Uila, Lulu Leuta, Mary Lumsden, Easter Savelio, Olalini Tafoulua, Fogamanono Tusiga, Utumalama Atonio, Nina Foaese, Sui Pauaraisa, Sinead Ryder, Tia Tauasosi.
Arrières : Saelua Leaula, Faalua Tugaga, Bella Milo, Cassie Siataga, Rebeka Cordero-Tufuga, Allison Futialo, Taalili Iosefo, Hope Schuster, Lutia Col Aumua, Michelle Curry, Linda Fiafia, Hasting Leiataua, Karla Wright-Akeli.
JAPON
Iroha Nagata sera la capitaine d’une équipe du Japon composée de 18 avants et 12 arrières à Stellenbosch et au Cap.
La joueuse la plus capée du Japon, Seina Saito, a été retenue, tout comme Natsuki Kashigawa. La pilier est la seule joueuse non capée incluse dans le groupe.
Avants : Sachiko Kato, Natsuki Kashigawa, Masami Kawamura, Asuka Kuge, Sakurako Korai, Hinata Komaki, Seina Saito, Yuka Sadaka, Kotomi Taniguchi, Ayano Nagai, Iroha Nagata (capitaine), Nijiho Nagata, Mio Nishimura, Sakurako Hatada, Manami Mine, Otoka Yoshimura, Mei Yoshimoto, Jennifer Nduka.
Arrières : Megumi Abe, Nao Ando, Komachi Imakugi, Ayasa Otsuka, Kanako Kobayashi, Moe Tsukui, Sora Nishimura, Haruka Hirotsu, Mana Furuta, Misaki Matsumura, Kotono Yasuo, Minori Yamamoto.
ITALIE
Giovanni Raineri, le sélectionneur des Azzurre, a intégré trois joueuses débutantes dans l’équipe d’Italie qui se rendra en Afrique du Sud cette semaine.
Sofia Catellani, Elena Errichiello et Nicole Mastrangelo auront chacune l’occasion de faire leurs débuts à Stellenbosch ou au Cap, alors que l’Italie tentera de se remettre de sa défaite à domicile contre le Japon.
Les Azzurre retrouveront les XV de Sakura le 13 octobre pour le match d’ouverture du tournoi.
Le groupe : Gaia Buso, Beatrice Capomaggi, Sofia Catellani, Giulia Cavina, Alyssa D’Incà, Giordana Duca, Elena Errichiello, Valeria Fedrighi, Alessandra Frangipani, Lucia Gai, Elisa Giordano, Francesca Granzotto, Laura Gurioli, Isabella Locatelli, Veronica Madia, Gaia Maris, Nicole Mastrangelo, Aura Muzzo, Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi, Alessia Pilani, Alissa Ranuccini, Beatrice Rigoni, Sara Seye, Michela Sillari, Emanuela Stecca, Sofia Stefan, Emma Stevanin, Sara Tounesi, Silvia Turani, Vittoria Vecchini.
AFRIQUE DU SUD
Le sélectionneur par intérim des Springbok Women, Louis Koen, a retenu 19 joueuses ayant une expérience de la Coupe Monde de Rugby dans son groupe pour le WXV 2.
Maceala Samboya est la seule joueuse de la liste qui n’a pas encore fait ses débuts internationaux. L’Afrique du Sud, qui est privée de plusieurs joueuses blessées, entamera sa campagne contre l’Écosse le 13 octobre.
« Nous nous sommes préparés depuis que nous nous sommes qualifiés pour ce tournoi à Madagascar au début de l’année », a expliqué Louis Koen.
« Nous avons perdu quelques joueuses en cours de route, mais ça a donné des opportunités à d’autres, comme à Maceala Samboya, qui a montré ses capacités lors des matchs contre les Rhinos et les Barbarians la semaine dernière. Nous sommes maintenant à deux semaines du premier match contre l’Écosse et ce sera un grand défi. »
Avants : Aseza Hele, Lusanda Dumke, Catha Jacobs, Nompumelelo Mathe, Danelle Lochner, Vainah Ubisi, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Nolusindiso Booi, Babalwa Latsha (capitaine), Amber Schonert, Yonela Ngxingolo, Asithandile Ntoyanto, Sanelisiwe Charlie, Roseline Botes, Micke Gunter, Lucell Hanekom, Lindelwa Gwala.
Arrières : Byrhandrè Dolf, Mary Zulu, Chuma Qawe, Veroeshka Grain, Unathi Mali, Maceala Samboya, Jakkie Cilliers, Piwokuhle Nyanda, Shaunique Hess, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Rumandi Potgieter, Unam Tose, Tayla Kinsey.
ÉCOSSE
Le sélectionneur Bryan Easson a retenu trois joueuses non capées dans son groupe de 30 joueuses pour le WXV 2 en Afrique du Sud.
Fiona McIntosh, Demi Swann et Holly McIntyre pourraient disputer leurs premiers matchs lors du match de préparation contre l’Espagne à Edimbourg, ou lors du tournoi de Stellenbosch et du Cap le mois prochain.
Evie Wills, Jenny Maxwell, Molly Wright et Shona Campbell ont toutes été écartées de la sélection en raison de blessures.
« J’ai été très encouragé par le rythme de travail et les efforts que l’équipe a déployés au cours de notre bloc de pré-saison, qui inclut beaucoup de préparation au contact, de travail physique et l’opportunité de développer le style de rugby que nous chercherons à mettre en œuvre tout au long du WXV », a indiqué Bryan Easson.
« Nous avons été ravis d’accueillir Fiona McIntosh et Demi Swann dans l’équipe, et de voir Holly McIntyre gagner sa place dans la sélection finale après avoir fait son chemin dans le système de formation. »
Avants : Leah Bartlett, Christine Belisle, Elliann Clarke, Lisa Cockburn, Demi Swann, Anne Young, Elis Martin, Lana Skeldon, Sarah Bonar, Eva Donaldson, Fiona McIntosh, Louise McMillan, Emma Wassell, Evie Gallagher, Jade Konkel, Rachel Malcolm (capitaine), Rachel McLachlan.
Arrières : Caity Mattinson, Mairi McDonald, Helen Nelson, Beth Blacklock, Coreen Grant, Holly McIntyre, Emma Orr, Lisa Thomson, Meryl Smith, Rhona Lloyd, Francesca McGhie, Liz Musgrove, Chloe Rollie.
USA
Paige Stathopoulos et Yeja Dunn ont été récompensées de leurs excellentes saisons avec Beantown par une place dans l’équipe féminine des Women’s Eagles pour le WXV 2.
Quant à leur coéquipière Emily Henrich, elle espère faire sa première apparition en 2023.
« Je suis enthousiasmé par certains des talents que j’ai vus dans l’équipe et je suis convaincu que nous pouvons apporter des améliorations progressives avant de passer de notre période en Europe à la compétition en Afrique du Sud », a assuré le sélectionneur par intérim Milton Haig.
« En fin de compte, nous voulons gagner des tests matchs et remonter dans le classement mondial. C’est un objectif non seulement réaliste, mais aussi réalisable.
« Il faudra travailler dur, faire preuve de résilience et de confiance pour mettre en œuvre ce que nous entraînons, mais nous sommes prêts et disposés à le faire. »
Avants : Tiara A’au, Catie Benson, Charli Jacoby, Alivia Leatherman, Keia Mae Sagapolu, Monalisa Tupou, Kathryn Treder, Paige Stathopoulos, Hallie Taufoou, Evelyn Ashenbrucker, Erica Jarrell, Tahlia Brody, Yeja Dunn, Rachel Ehrecke, Rachel Johnson, Georgie Perris-Redding, Freda Tafuna.
Arrières : Taina Tukuafu, Carly Waters, Gabby Cantorna, Eti Haungatau, Emily Henrich, Kate Zackary, Meya Bizer, Lotte Clapp, Autumn Czaplicki, Summer Harris-Jones, Mata Hingano, Tess Feury, Bulou Mataitoga.
Comments on RugbyPass
It’s a shame that Baxter wasn’t nominated for DoR of the season. what he did is more impressive than McCall imo
1 Go to commentsSeveral boks said during World Cup they play so hard to give people back home hope. As an Englishman the Springboks Captain’s life story is an inspiration which should give us all hope and inspiration. Rather like that other great South African, Nelson Mandela
34 Go to commentsFox News, Tucker Carlson, Jordan Peterson and Joe Rogan? Yikes.
1 Go to commentsThat is harsh though. Messi has/had a reputation for trying to keep his feet and keep dribbling for goal. Many of his brethren were the histrionic divers but not him.
2 Go to commentsMcReight is certainly one of the first picked. He’s going to be the glue, a Wallaby with some rugby IQ and the everywhere man for the Wallabies.
7 Go to commentsSophie De Goede is one of the best players we’ve ever produced. Kicked all the points, 2 try assists, line out takes, carries, tackles, charge downs… what a player
1 Go to commentsThe guy had just beasted himself in a scrum and the blood hadn't yet returned to his head when he was pushed into a team mate. He took his weight off his left foot precisely at the moment he was shoved and dropped to the floor when seemingly trying to avoid stepping on Hyron Andrews’ foot. I don't think he was trying to milk a penalty, I think he was knackered but still switched on enough to avoid planting 120kgs on the dorsum of his second row’s foot. To effectively “police” such incidents with a (noble) view to eradicating play acting in rugby, yet more video would need to be reviewed in real time, which is not in the interest of the game as a sporting spectacle. I would far rather see Farrell penalised for interfering with the refereeing of the game. Perhaps he was right to be frustrated, he was much closer to the action than the only camera angle I've seen, however his vocal objection to Rodd’s falling over doesn't legitimately fall into the captain's role as the mouthpiece of his team - he should have kept his frustration to himself, that's one of the pillars of rugby union. I appreciate that he was within his rights to communicate with the referee as captain but he didn't do this, he moaned and attempted to sway the decision by directing his complaint to the player rather than the ref. Rugby needs to look closely at the message it wants to send to young players and amateur grassroots rugby. The best way to do this would be to apply the laws as they are written and edit them where the written laws no longer apply. If this means deleting laws such as ‘the put in to the scrum must be straight”, so be it. Likewise, if it is no longer necessary to respect the referee’s decision without questioning it or pre-emptively attempting to sway it (including by diving or by shouting and gesticulating) then this behaviour should be embraced (and commercialised). Otherwise any reference to respecting the referee should be deleted from the laws. You have to start somewhere to maintain the values of rugby and the best place to start would be giving a penalty and a warning against the offending player, followed by a yellow card the next time. People like Farrell would rapidly learn to keep quiet and let their skills do the talking.
1 Go to commentsThe name “Kwagga” came to mind while I was reading this. And there’s another Sevens convert roaming the wide open kant at the Lions now - JC Pretorius. Keep an eye on him.
7 Go to comments2024 Rugby Championship: Sat, 10 Aug 2024 – Sat, 28 Sept 2024. Looking forward to watching the All Blacks coached by Scott Robertson, with or without the ‘dynamic’ qualities of Shannon Michael Frizell - see his display against South Africa at Go Media Mount Smart Stadium on July 15.
1 Go to commentsI agree about 8 being too many The English premiership has top four only Top 14 has six URC has 8 I think 6 would be fine It gives those other two teams an incentive But rewarding a team in perhaps 8th with three wins is atrocious If they get in they know they only need one big game
7 Go to commentsInteresting article. I think the answer lies in a comment Kwagga Smith made during the World Cup. Asked whether it bothers him that the Bok team doesn’t get more credit he said: “We don’t play for people to respect us: we play for each other and we play for South Africa.” The Springbok team is a brotherhood - an incredibly tight unit, most of whom are good friends off the pitch as well. Not only do they not want to let South Africa down, but they fight like crazy not to let their teammates down. Not saying they don’t care about their club teammates, but I think the bond shared in the Boks is just much, much deeper. Tough to forge the same sort of bond at a club over a handful of years. That must translate into superior performances for country over club.
34 Go to commentsThere is very little creativity in the 9-10 axis for SA. 10 needs to be solid, put the work in and kick the points. the SA counter is almost always via the edge or a kick through for a winger. When was the last offensive backline score from SA against a top team? Perhaps the ultra physical nature of the SA teams means players they get to hit more stats in those games. Maybe the SA pleyers are perfectly suited to the SA system. In other Words they are not club players gathered to play SA Internationals. They are SA International players adapting to play club.
34 Go to commentsJust what you want your prop doing 😂
2 Go to commentsEveryone needs to have a bit of ball player in them Nick and second phase but forwards and backs are still different coz of where you stick your head most of the time. Pocock and tizzano were 12s right up to the edge of seniors. Pocock was 12 to quades 10 then pocock was at the force At 17 year’s old or so. Hamish Stewart was apparently was a junior 7. Don’t know when he switched but apparently he was crons 10 in the Oz 20s. A mistake too often made is playing a guy like taquele nairavuro at wing instead of as a power 8. On rugby tours we often had a spare 7 playing crash 12 coz the regular 12 stayed home. Often had a spare 7 playing on a wing too.
7 Go to commentsyikes - what a load of crap Gallan. Interesting until after your 1st paragraph, but then again not worth anyone’s time responding to such pointless analysis and of course your dumbass opinions.
34 Go to commentsOutside of their national camp, club teams seem to take a tighter stance on doping. Think that explains it really.
34 Go to commentsThanks Nick Ive always thought that there should be a few more innovative attempts at players moving from backs to forwards and vice versa. Samu was one, as was Jim Williams last century. Cole certainly could run like a back, as can Lonergan from the Brumbies. I think that it’s going to become hard again for hookers though as front rowers seem to be getting bigger and bigger, and the guys have to look after their spines as well as (in Australia) their achilles! I always thought that Folau should have been tried in the lineout…. I think the same for Vunavalu…if he lasts any longer. Movement between positions is much more common in League, mainly because the size requirements between backs and forwards are not as pronounced. Hookers and halfbacks interchanging and second rowers and centres as well. The great Cameron Smith was effectively a hybrid hooker/halfback, being able to play both positions…sometimes it seemed simultaneously! For now, it seems like McReith and before him Hooper are the standouts, though Cale could be anything. John Eals did a few “back” type things mind you, including running and kicking. As for Jones, I don't credit him as anything (in an Australian context) other than a speaker of a million throw away lines, with the occasional one being picked up! Sorry
7 Go to commentsHe's Big in Japan
2 Go to comments“England are set to lose some of their best ever players at the end of the season with the mass departure to France”… Really? Best ever? What a joke of an opening line. The england players leaving for France are… Sinckler, Ludlum, Tuilagi… that’s the list of players England are losing at the end of this season to France. All 3 are fringe players at best these days. Manu is the only one you could fathom debating being one of “their best ever players” and even that debate would be shut down pretty quickly. Pathetic excuse for journalism this. Not grounded in reality.
3 Go to commentsYep. The insanity of the decision of trying to outspend RL for outside backs just looks more and more stupid as time goes on and talented players either bully us into paying overs to keep them (Jorgensen) or simply leave as Uncle Nick comes calling (Nawaqanitawase).
20 Go to comments