USA Makes 7 Changes for Rd 2 of Rugby World Cup

The USA Women’s National Team (WNT) has named its 23-player roster for round two of the Rugby World Cup 2021, played in 2022 in New Zealand. The Eagles will take the pitch against Japan on Saturday, Oct. 15 local time, and will live-stream on Peacock at 12:30 a.m. ET Saturday / 9:30 p.m. PT Friday.

“The past few days of preparation have gone well,” USA WNT head coach Rob Cain said. “There was of course lots of disappointment post our first game, but with such a quick turnaround it was critical we took what we needed out of our review and build again. We have looked at the areas that were not always accurate and the areas we had successes against Italy this week. We are excited for this squad who will represent the group here and the many at home cheering us all on. Thank you for all your messages of support.”

The USA lost its opening match 22-10 to Italy: Read more.

There are seven changes to the starting lineup that will face Japan. Charli Jacoby replaces Nick James in the front row, and Kristine Sommer and Evi Ashenbrucker file in for Hallie Taufoou and Jenny Kronish (the two try-scorers against Italy) in the second row. Kathryn Johnson gets the start at No. 6 in lieu of Jordan Maytas.

In the backs, Olivia Ortiz steps into scrumhalf for Carly Waters. Alev Kelter moves from fullback to inside center, where Katana Howard did work against Italy, and Meya Bizer bears the #15 jersey. Tess Feury gets the start at wing, while Lotte Clapp and several other Italy starters will fill finisher roles.

“Obviously for every match we have a slight different tactical outlook and we did pick up a few knocks as well unfortunately in the first game so that is always a point of consideration,” Cain said of roster changes. “We’ve got a lot of people working really hard and if people can’t deliver on the pitch there’s plenty of people that can as well. The last part is that some people are just unlucky, tactically we’re looking to play a bit differently and we have to make sure that we’ve got the right people out there that can deliver what the team needs and we have to make those hard decisions as a coaching group.”

Japan lost its opening game to Canada, 41-5, and is also looking for its first win in New Zealand.

“Week two of the Rugby World Cup and the six teams that didn’t get the results we have all worked so hard for are all in the same situation: looking to learn, build and get the result this weekend,” USA WNT head coach Rob Cain said. “Japan, being one of those, we know will come out with real intent. We are not underestimating Japan in any way. Japan have shown just how threatening they can be in transition, around the breakdown and with their speed of play in attack.”

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