Photo: Colleen McCloskey
The USA Women’s National Team will contest the Women’s Rugby World Cup (WRWC) third-place match against France on Saturday, Aug. 26 at 12 p.m. Eastern / 9 a.m. Pacific. The game also marks the last for head coach Pete Steinberg.
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The USA has made three changes to its starting lineup against New Zealand. Hope Rogers replaces Catie Benson in the front row; Abby Gustaitis starts at flanker for Kate Zackary; and Penn State’s Kayla Canett steps into flyhalf for Kimber Rozier. The reserves see the return of some players who featured in the first two World Cup games. And Christiane Pheil has made her first lineup. The flanker has been recovering from injury and is the final Eagle looking for a WRWC cap.
France has taken a similar strategy in testing its depth after a trying WRWC schedule. Semifinal starters Annaelle Deshayes at prop, No. 8 Safi N’Diaye, scrumhalf Jade Le Pesq, outside center Caroline Ladagnous and wings Shannon Izar and Elodie Guiglion are either on the bench or not dressing Saturday.
France fullback Montserrat Amedee / Photo: INPHO/Bryan Keane for World Rugby
The 3rd place match will be viewable on NBC Sports Gold, a paid subscription. The final between England and New Zealand will occur at 2:45 p.m Eastern / 11:45 a.m. Pacific and www.rwcwomens.com will live-stream the match – and the rest of the placing matches, save 3rd – for free.
USA
1. Hope Rogers
2. Katy Augustyn
3. Tiffany Faaee
4. Stacey Bridges
5. Alycia Washington
6. Abby Gustaitis
7. Sara Parsons
8. Jordan Gray
9. Deven Owsiany
10. Kayla Canett
11. Kris Thomas
12. Alev Kelter
13. Nicole Heavirland
14. Naya Tapper
15. Cheta Emba
16. Sam Pankey
17. Jamila Reinhardt
18. Naima Reddick
19. Nicole James
20. Christiane Pheil
21. Jess Wooden
22. Tess Feury
23. Jessica Javelet
FRANCE
1. Lise Arricastre
2. Gaelle Mignot
3. Julie Duval
4. Lenaig Corson
5. Audrey Forlani
6. Marjorie Mayans
7. Julie Annery
8. Romane Menager
9. Jade Le Pesq
10. Caroline Drouin
11. Camille Grassineau
12. Elodie Poublan
13. Carla Neisen
14. Caroline Boujard
15. Montserrat Amedee
16. Caroline Thomas
17. Annaelle Deshayes
18. Patricia Carricaburu
19. Manon Andre
20. Safi N’Diaye
21. Yanna Rivoalen
22. Shannon Izar
23. Elodie Guiglion
Referee: Tim Baker