Women's Eagles named for final test match of Autumn Internationals against Ireland

DUBLIN, IRE. – Women’s Eagles’ Head Coach Rob Cain has named his match-day 23 to face No. 8 Ireland this Sunday, Nov. 18 at 8 AM ET, LIVE on Irish Rugby YouTube Channel.

In their final battle of the Autumn Internationals 2018 — and after the Women’s Selects achieved a hard-fought 25-24 victory over England Academy earlier this week — the starting XV will feature seven changes from the Eagles’ last test match with the senior England Women.

“It’s been a really positive experience against New Zealand and England but I think the group really needed that win over England Academy, they fought really hard for it,” said Head Coach Rob Cain, reflecting on the touring squad’s overall experience this fall. “The amount of work that went into that has paid dividends for us to have a positive outlook for this week and we’re really excited about Ireland.”

USA’s forward pack will see Nick James and Katy Augustyn back at prop and hooker, respectively, while Kristine Sommer will earn the start at lock. 

The backs will feature Carly Waters in at scrum half with Jennine Duncan earning a starting position at wing. Duncan joins the starting XV after coming off the bench to score the Eagles’ lone try last week against the senior England Red Roses. Waters and Duncan are accompanied by Kimber Rozier and Meya Bizer who join the starting XV at center.

After a collection of new Eagles made their debuts through the duration of the Autumn Internationals, the Women’s Eagles could see one more new cap awarded to reserve Tiana A’au this Sunday.

The contest will mark the first time the United States women have faced Ireland in more than four years with the most recent being a loss at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014 in France. Having only met three times in the past two decades, the Americans own a 2-1 record against the Irish Women.

USA will kickoff their final contest of the Autumn Internationals 2018 against Ireland at 8 AM ET, LIVE on Irish Rugby YouTube Channel

U.S. Women’s National Team Starting Roster

Player Position Club Caps
1. Catie Benson Prop Life West Gladiatrix 16
2. Katy Augustyn Hooker Berkeley All Blues 32
3. Nick James Prop Houston Athletic 5
4. Stacey Bridges Lock Beantown Rugby 35
5. Kristine Sommer Lock Harlequins (ENG) / Seattle Saracens 6
6. Rachel Johnson Flanker Oregon Sports Union 2
7. Kate Zackary (C) Flanker San Diego Surfers 8
8. Jordan Gray-Matyas No. 8 Women’s Sevens Residency 17
9. Carly Waters Scrumhalf New York Rugby 1
10. Gabby Cantorna Flyhalf Glendale Merlins 2
11. Jennine Duncan Wing Seattle Saracens 1
12. Kimber Rozier Center Beantown Rugby 29
13. Meya Bizer Center Women’s Sevens Residency 17
14. Kelsi Stockert Wing Women’s Sevens Residency 7
15. Kaitlyn Broughton Fullback Atlanta Harlequins 2

 

U.S. Women’s National Team Reserves 

Player Position Club Caps
16. Tiana A’au Reserve Central Washington University 0
17. Azniv Nalbandian Reserve Penn State University 2
18. Joyce Taufa Reserve Lindenwood University 2
19. Alycia Washington Reserve New York Rugby 16
20. Anna Karen Pedraza Reserve Lindenwood University 3
21. Evan Hoese Reserve Berkeley All Blues 1
22. McKenzie Hawkins Reserve Lindenwood University 2
23. Megan Foster Reserve San Diego Surfers 5

 

U.S. Women’s National Team Staff

Head Coach | Rob Cain
Assistant Coach | Richard Ashfield
Assistant Coach | Kate Daley
Assistant Coach & Team Manager | Jamie Burke
Head of Physical Performance | Ian Jones
Head Performance Analyst | David Gardner
Team Doctor | Terrence Cronin
Assistant Athletic Trainer | Katherine Henry

U.S. Women’s National Team Schedule | November Internationals 2018

vs New Zealand 6-67 (L)

vs England | 5-57 (L)

vs Ireland
Sun, Nov. 18 | 8 AM ET
Energia Park, Dublin, Ireland