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“Focus on our performance”: USA Eagles name team for Samoa clash
By Philip Bendon at York Community Stadium, York
The United States women’s rugby team faces a do-or-die challenge on Saturday when it meets Samoa in a pivotal Rugby World Cup group-stage clash at LNER Community Stadium in York.
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After a heavy loss to England in the opening round and a dramatic draw with Australia last weekend, the Eagles must win to keep their quarterfinal hopes alive. Not only will victory be essential, but the U.S. must secure a sizable points difference while also relying on a favourable outcome in the England–Australia contest, which kicks off three and a half hours later in Brighton.
Head coach Sione Fukofuka has reshuffled his lineup, particularly in the backline. Gabby Cantorna earns a start at centre while sevens star Sariah Ibarra slots in at fullback.
The bench also brings intrigue, with the return of Georgie Perris-Redding from injury and the inclusion of seasoned internationals Kristin Bitter and Alev Kelter. Forward Maya Learned is in line to make her Rugby World Cup debut.
Fukofuka emphasised that the U.S. is focused on its own execution.
“Our focus for this week is directly on our own performance and what we can control,” Fukofuka said. “Samoa is a physical side that, although beaten in their first two matches of the World Cup, has shown fight and resolve to keep playing for the full 80 minutes. We know our side of the equation and what we need to do in our attack and defence to create opportunities and turn over possession.”
The Eagles’ second-half rally against Australia has given the squad renewed confidence.
“I was very proud of the team after the Australia match, especially the fight back in the second half to give ourselves a chance to win the game,” Fukofuka added. “We played to our strengths by being physical and direct on both sides of the ball, and our scrum and lineout both performed well. Whilst not a win, the team has kept our chances alive and remains in the frame to earn qualification for a quarterfinal with a strong performance this week.”
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USA Eagles Line-Up vs. Samoa
1. Hope Rogers
2. Kathryn Treder
3. Keia Mae Sagapolu
4. Hallie Taufoou
5. Erica Jarrell-Searcy
6. Freda Tafuna
7. Kate Zackary
8. Rachel Johnson
9. Cassidy Bargell
10. McKenzie Hawkins
11. Erica Coulibaly
12. Gabby Cantorna
13. Ilona Maher
14. Emily Henrich
15. Sariah Ibarra
Replacements
16. Paige Stathopoulos
17. Maya Learned
18. Alivia Leatherman
19. Tahlia Brody
20. Georgie Perris-Redding
21. Olivia Ortiz
22. Kristin Bitter
23. Alev Kelter
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