Chiefs stars go head-to-head again

By Harry Scott-Munro
5/11/21

Exeter Chiefs’ USA Eagles contingent of Kate Zackary, Rachel Johnson and Gabby Cantorna will be looking to right the wrongs of Monday night, as they prepare to face Canada for the second time in five days on Friday evening.

Monday’s clash saw the Americans suffer a narrow 15-9 defeat in Glendale – and, like their opponents, Head Coach Rob Cain has made sweeping changes to his match-day side, with 12 changes in all for the side’s final home test of 2021.

Exeter Chiefs co-captain Kate Zackary continues to lead her side from No.8, while Rachel Johnson will continue alongside her in the back-row. Fellow Chief Gabby Cantorna started at 12 on Monday night, but she shifts to the fly-half shirt ahead of the match against the Canadians.

The match allows Cain to continue testing combinations, as players make the transition back into competitive international action. The two rivals have less than a year before they meet at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, meaning every mistake and opportunity for points counts, as they look to gain the upper hand before a seismic pool stage clash.

Amongst a number of changes for the USA Eagles, Saher Hamdan and Ilona Maher will make their first starts for their country after appearing off the bench on Monday night. There are also returns to test rugby for Bulou Mataitoga and Katana Howard, with Kathryn Johnson and Amy Talei Bonte set to appear off the bench for the first time since 2019.

Reflecting on Monday’s encounter, Cain was frustrated by parts of his side’s game but admitted he could see the positives in what the USA are looking to build.

“Full credit to Canada, they took their limited opportunities and unfortunately we weren’t able to when it mattered. Test match rugby is unforgiving,” he explained.

“Frustration aside, we got some very positive indications we are on the right road as a team after such a long hiatus from international competition. We got some very important answers to questions in terms of whether individuals could play at this level either for the first time or after such a long time away.”

Focusing on Friday’s encounter, Cain was keen to see his side show a bit more game understanding before they fly over to Europe for a further two test matches.

“As a team, with and without the ball, we are making better choices than before, creating more pictures that we want, when we want them. In this next test match, we need to see these pictures quicker and execute at the level we showcase all week in training.”

Meanwhile, Canadian Head Coach Sandro Fiorino has made wholesale changes to their side ahead of the game

Monday’s game saw Exeter Chiefs’ Olivia De Merchant captain her side, starting alongside Emily Tuttosi and DaLeaka Menin in an all-Exeter front row.

With the raft of changes to the side, Menin is the only Chief to remain, reverting to a position on the bench, as Fiorino looks to test the depth of the squad.

Laetitia Royer and Julia Schell will make their international debuts, joining team-mates Renee Gonzalez, Sarah-Maude Lachance and Nakisa Levale, who made their debuts earlier in the week.

“Monday’s result was very encouraging for our group of players and staff,” said Fiorino. “Having back-to-back games gives us an opportunity to properly evaluate the deep and talented roster that we have. I believe this will pay dividends moving forward as we continue to build and refine the team heading into next year’s World Cup.”