Kelter dropped as USA make sweeping changes for Wallaroos clash

USA head coach Sione Fukofuka has made sweeping alterations to his side ahead of their must-win Rugby World Cup meeting with Australia, with the headline call being the omission of veteran centre Alev Kelter.

Kelter drops out of the 23 entirely after a challenging outing in the Eagles’ 69–7 loss to England on the opening night of competition. The experienced midfielder conceded five turnovers, the most of any player on the pitch, and was sent to the sin bin for a cynical slap-down in the 26th minute.

In total, nine changes have been made to the squad, including two positional switches. Among them is captain Kate Zackary, who shifts from openside flanker to blindside in place of the injured Georgie Perris-Redding. Freda Tafuna will link up with Zackary as she gets the start in the number six jersey.

‘This Energy Never Stops’ – Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

‘This Energy Never Stops’ – Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

Among the notable backline selections is that of Emily Henrich, who moves from the wing into the inside centre berth, slotting into Kelter’s vacated role to partner Ilona Maher in midfield. Henrich impressed defensively against the Red Roses and is expected to provide more stability at the gainline.

The backline has been further reshaped with Cassidy Bargell replacing Olivia Ortiz at scrumhalf, and both wings rotated. Cheta Emba is brought in on the right wing while Erica Coulibaly takes over on the left, pushing out Bulou Mataitoga despite her two-line breaks against England. Lotte Sharp retains the fullback spot after a composed performance under the high ball against the Red Roses.

Up front, Hallie Taufoou is promoted to start at lock, with Tahlia Brody moving to the bench. Alongside her, Erica Jarrell-Searcy, one of the team’s busiest attacking threats with 16 carries and the Eagles’ only try last week, maintains her place.

The front row of Hope Rogers, Kathryn Treder, and Keia Mae Sagapolu stays unchanged despite conceding a combined eight penalties. The trio are now tasked with steadying a scrum that functioned at just 40% on their own ball against England.

On the bench, Gabby Cantorna comes into the matchday squad at No. 22 to cover flyhalf, displacing Kristin Bitter. Brody, Ortiz, and Rachel Ehrecke offer forward and halfback cover.

The brutal statistics from the Stadium of Light explain why Fukofuka has opted for such radical changes. The Eagles lost 17 turnovers, conceded 12 penalties, and failed to establish set-piece stability, winning only two of their five scrums.

They managed just four-line breaks to England’s 11 and struggled to find any inroads into their hosts’ defence despite having a relatively even possession and territory split.

Against Australia, the Eagles face a win-or-go-home scenario, with England the clear favourites to top the pool. Starting their campaign with a flourish, the Wallaroos defeated Samoa in record-breaking fashion, 73 –0. Scoring 11 tries in total, the Australians saw breakout performances by Wing Desiree Miller, who scored a hat-trick of tries and teenage sensation Caitlyn Halse.

USA Eagles Line-Up vs Australia

1. Hope Rogers
2. Kathryn Treder
3. Keia Mae Sagapolu
4. Hallie Taufoou
5. Erica Jarrell-Searcy
6. Freda Tafuna
7. Kate Zackary (c)
8. Rachel Johnson
9. Cassidy Bargell
10. McKenzie Hawkins
11. Erica Coulibaly
12. Emily Henrich
13. Ilona Maher
14. Cheta Emba
15. Lotte Sharp

Replacements:

16. Paige Stathopoulos
17. Alivia Leatherman
18. Charli Jacoby
19. Rachel Ehrecke
20. Tahlia Brody
21. Olivia Ortiz
22. Gabby Cantorna
23. Sariah Ibarra