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USA, Canada Select Lineups for WRWC Quarterfinal

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USA, Canada Select Lineups for WRWC Quarterfinal

Kate Zackary leads the USA again. Photo Rugby World Cup.

USA coach Rob Cain has named his team for the Rugby World Cup 2021 quarterfinal against Canada at Waitakere Stadium on 30 October (11:30PM ET October 29 for fans in the USA).

1. Hope Rogers 2. JoJo Kitlinski 3. Nick James 4. Kristine Sommer 5. Evi Ashenbrucker 6. Kathryn Johnson 7. Rachel Johnson 8. Kate Zackary (captain) 9. Carly Waters 10. Gabriella Cantorna 11. Lotte Clapp 12. Alev Kelter 13. Eti Haungatau 14. Jennine Detiveaux 15. Tess Feury

Reserves: 16. Kathryn Treder 17. Catherine Benson 18. Charli Jacoby 19. Jenny Kronish 20. Bitsy Cairns 21. Bridget Kahele 22. Katana Howard 23. Meya Bizer

Cains has made no changes from the team that dropped a competitive 29-14 decision to Canada last weekend. 

Prop Hope Rogers will play her 41st test to become the second most-capped Women's Eagles player behind current assistant coach Jamie Burke (51). Fellow prop Nick James and second-row Kristine Sommer will both play their 25th tests for the Women’s Eagles

This will be the fourth start of Rugby World Cup 2021 for eight players: Hope Rogers, Joanna Kitlinski, Rachel Johnson, captain Kate Zackary, Gabriella Cantorna, Alev Kelter, Eti Haungatau and Jennine Detiveaux

USA need five points to become the third nation – after New Zealand and England – to score 1,300 points in Rugby World Cup history, and are looking to make the semifinals in back-to-back World Cups since 1991-1994-1998. But they will need to beat a Canadian team the Eagles haven't defeated in six test matches—not since they won 20-18 in the Women's Super Series in 2019.

“We’ve played them so many times, we’ve typically come on the losing end of that, so our time is coming," said Cain. "We’re building something special and if that’s next week then it’s our week so it’s time to shine. Happy to do this again, that’s pretty much it.”

“Looking forward to our second chance against Canada this weekencoacontinued Cain. "The team is really vibing and had a great week. Another opportunity to go out against Canada is actually our best-case scenario for quarterfinals. I think a few people thought it might be strange and wanted us to take on someone else, but for us here in camp, getting another opportunity to right some wrongs from last week and to get the best of them in the quarterfinals here at the Rugby World Cup is what we are looking to do. I am really proud of the team for the work we’re putting in.”

“It means a lot for us to be going to the quarterfinals," added fullback Tess Feury. "It’s been a long five-year cycle with a lot of work being put in by players, staff and the whole USA rugby community. So, to be able to make the quarter-final and really set a platform for us to showcase the best rugby we’ve played and really have a good performance is just an exciting opportunity.” 

Meanwhile, Canada coach Kevin Rouet has made two personnel and one positional change to his starting lineup from last week's game.

1. Olivia DeMerchant 2. Emily Tuttosi 3. DaLeaka Menin 4. Courtney Holtkamp 5. McKinley Hunt 6. Fabiola Forteza 7. Karen Paquin 8. Sophie de Goede (captain) 9. Justine Pelletier 10. Alex Tessier 11. Paige Farries 12. Sara Kaljuvee
13. Alysha Corrigan 14. Maddy Grant 15. Elissa Alarie

Reserves: 16. Gillian Boag 17. Brittany Kassil 18. Alexandria Ellis 19. Ngalula Fuamba 20. Tyson Beukeboom 21. Gabrielle Senft 22. Pamphinette Buisa 23. Anais Holly

Olivia DeMerchant returns at loosehead after scoring a try off the bench last week. Brittany Kassil goes to the bench. In the back row Fabiola Forteza comes onto the blindside and Karen Paquin moves to openside. 

Tyson Beukeboom is on the bench, but if she comes on she will move clear of sisters Kelly and Laura Russell to become Canada’s third most-capped player in her own right.

Fun Stats from their Last Meeting

Most Rucks Hit: Rachel Johnson, USA (35)

Most Tackles: Rachel Johnson, USA (18)

Carries Over the Gainline: Canada 67%, USA 55%

Carries Behind the Gainline: Canada 26%, USA 35%

Most Carries: Kate Zackary, USA (16)

Most Meters Gaines: Alysha Corrigan, Canada (132)

Most Linebreaks: Alysha Corrigan, Canada (3)

Defenders Beaten: Alev Kelter, USA (9)

Team Meters Gaines: Canada 556, USA 406

Tackles Made/Missed: Canada 143/34, USA 138/22

Lineout Won: Canada 94%, USA 64%