USA Eagles make three changes to starting team for Black Ferns

The USA Eagles are in Auckland to face the Black Ferns and are eyeing their first win of the Pacific Four Series, while their hosts will be desperate for a big scoreline to win back the tournament trophy.

New Zealand shares top spot on the table with Canada, meaning it could come down to bonus points and points differential should both sides emerge victorious this weekend.

The Eagles occupy the bottom of the table after a tight loss to the Wallaroos in round two, but are hoping some personnel shifts will help steer them in the right direction.

Sariah Ibarra, Paige Stathopoulos, and Freda Tafuna have been promoted to the starting XV, with Aliva Leatherman joining the reserves.

“We are focused on bouncing back. There were a lot of great elements from the game last week, but we just weren’t able to convert enough opportunities into points. Set piece is a big part of our DNA, and our ability to transition will be a secondary focus to give us more chances to score,” head coach Sione Fukofuka said.

“We know what the Black Ferns will bring. We’re expecting a physical, up-tempo attacking mindset. They’ve got some very talented players, they’re very well coached, and they’ll be lifted by their home crowd. We’re preparing to match that energy and bring our Eagles’ DNA to the fore – being physical, using the ball well and having opportunities to score off set piece.”

USA team to play New Zealand

1. Hope Rogers
2. Paige Stathopoulos
3. Keia Mae Sagapolu
4. Hallie Taufoou
5. Erica Jarrell
6. Freda Tafuna
7. Kate Zackary
8. Rachel Johnson
9. Olivia Ortiz
10. Sariah Ibarra
11. Cheta Emba
12. McKenzie Hawkins
13. Ilona Maher
14. Emily Henrich
15. Bulou Mataitoga

Reserves

16. Kathryn Treder
17. Alivia Leatherman
18. Charli Jacoby
19. Rachel Ehrecke
20. Tahlia Brody
21. Cass Bargell
22. Nicole Heavirland
23. Tess Feury