Captain Stacey Bridges knows France’s style of play firsthand. /// Photo: Carisa Weaver •
It’s been three years since the USA Women’s National Team contested a full international test at home. Greeley, Colo., played host to the 2013 Nations Cup, and saw the U.S. play Canada, England and South Africa on the University of Northern Colorado’s grounds. Beginning tomorrow, the Eagles will enjoy hometown backing during the three-game Super Series in Salt Lake City, Utah.
For some, the hometown crowd is really hometown. Starting No. 8 Jordan Gray, our College Player of the Year, just wrapped up her illustrious career at BYU, which is located in Provo, 45 miles south of Salt Lake City. Cougar fans watched the recent grad break out during last year’s Super Series and then cheered her and team on during the DI Elite championship in May.
“Yes! I’m very excited to be able to represent my country in a place that I love amongst my friends, coaches, teammates and family who have gotten me this far,” the loose forward enthused.
Gray represents some of the young, exciting talent in the American ranks. On the opposite end of the spectrum are six Rugby World Cup veterans, including captain Stacey Bridges, who was the youngest member of the 2010 World Cup squad in England. She is one of five Eagles who played France during Les Bleus’ California tour in 2013. France won two of three exciting games in that series, and returns six players from that 2013 squad.
“We’ve worked hard to create a positive, inclusive culture at camp so we can come together quickly even though we don’t have much time,” reported Jenny Lui, who got time against France in 2013. “The team is gelling well and we’re excited to show what we can do. The first game is about setting our standard and expressing ourselves. Then we’ll build from there.”
As Eagles coach Pete Steinberg acknowledged, the USA is the underdog in tomorrow’s game against France. Les Bleus have brought all but three players from the team’s Six Nations-winning squad to Utah. While the USA finds its rhythm, keep an eye out for newcomers Christiane Pheil at flanker and Saskia Morgan on the wings. They’re getting their first tastes of international test rugby. Watch Sylvia Braaten as well. The World Cup veteran was called up to replace Nicole Heavirland, who remains at the Olympic Training Center with the 7s Eagles.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to be back with the team and am pumped for tomorrow’s game,” starting inside center Braaten confirmed. “It is going to be a very physical battle, and we are excited for the test.”
“The vibe is really good right now. Calm, yet excited,” starting scrumhalf Deven Oswiany added. “We know that the French play a very physical game, so we have been preparing for that. We also have a few new caps tomorrow so it will be exciting to see them play and have an impact on the game.”
The first round begins with England vs. Canada at 3 p.m. MT, and USA vs. France follows at 5 p.m. MT. The games will be live-streamed for free via The Rugby Channel.
Women’s Eagles | v. France
1. Tiffany Faaee
2. Kathryn Augustyn
3. Hope Rogers
4. Stacey Bridges
5. Alycia Washington
6. Christiane Pheil
7. Joanna Kitlinski
8. Jordan Gray
9. Deven Owsiany
10. Kimberly Rozier
11. Cheta Emba
12. Sylvia Braaten
13. Jane Paar
14. Saskia Morgan
15. Jessica Wooden
Women’s Eagles | Reserves
16. Samantha Pankey
17. Catherine Benson
18. Jamila Reinhardt
19. Molly Kinsella
20. Elizabeth Cairns
21. Jennifer Lui
22. Megan Foster
23. Naya Tapper
France | Super Series Roster
Audrey Abadie – Blagnac-Saint Orens
*Manon Andre – Blagnac-Saint Orens
*Lise Arricastre – Lons
Manon Bigot – Blagnac-Saint Orens
Julie Billes – Montpellier
Camille Boudaud – Rennes
Caroline Boujard – Montpellier
Pauline Bourdon – AS Bayonne
Camille Cabalou – AS Bayonne
Patricia Carricaburu – Lons
Laure Clermidy – Lille RC Villeneuvois
Laura Delas – Stade Tarbes Pyrénées
Julie Duval – Ovalie Caennaise
Céline Ferer – AS Bayonne
Audrey Forlani – Blagnac-Saint Orens
*Lucille Godiveau – Bobigny
Virginie Griere – Lille RC Villeneuvois
Gaëlle Hermet – Stade Toulousain
Camille Imart – Stade Toulousain
Emilie Mathieu – FC Grenoble
Romane Menager – Lille RC Villeneuvois
*Gaëlle Mignot – Montpellier
*Safi N’diaye – Montpellier
Carla Neissen – Blagnac-Saint Orens
Elodie Poublan – Montpellier
*Yanna Rivoalen – Lille RC Villeneuvois
Laure Sansus – Stade Toulousain
Agathe Sochat – Bordeaux
Pauline Soulard – Blagnac-Saint Orens
Caroline Thomas – Ovalie Romagnatoise Clermont Auvergne
*Played in 2013 tour to California
USAWomen15s #SuperSeries #1823