Magnificent Seven in USA Eagles squad

By Mark Stevens
15/10/22

Exeter's 'Magnificent Seven' will all feature for the USA Eagles in their second Rugby World Cup Pool C match against Japan in Whangarei.

Captain Kate Zackary will once again lead her country into action, joined by club-mates Hope Rogers, Charli Jacoby, Rachel Johnson, Gabby Cantorna, Jennine Detiveaux and Megan Foster.

Having come unstuck in their opening fixture against Italy a week ago, Zackary is hopeful the Eagles can fly high in this latest outing.

"It is about creating momentum, finding momentum and keeping it," said the all-action No.8. "A few times we got it right, a few times we got it wrong, but the biggest thing is you have to learn from those mistakes and grow .. is most important."

Prop Jacoby is one of six players set to get their first nod in the tournament. The summer signing starts at tight-head, whilst Foster is included on the bench for the first time.

Head coach Rob Cain said: "“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. 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.

“The past few days of preparation have gone well, 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.”

USA EAGLES TEAM TO FACE JAPAN

15 Meya Bizer (Beantown RFC)
14 Jennine Detiveaux (Exeter Chiefs)
13 Eti Haungatau (Lindenwood University)
12 Alev Kelter (Saracens)
11 Tess Feury (Wasps)
10 Gabby Cantorna (Exeter Chiefs)
9 Olivia Ortiz (Colorado Gray Wolves)
1 Hope Rogers (Exeter Chiefs)
2 Joanna Kitlinski (Sale Sharks)
3 Charli Jacoby (Exeter Chiefs)
4 Kristine Sommer (Seattle Rugby Club)
5 Evelyn Ashenbrucker (San Diego Surfers)
6 Kathryn Johnson (Twin Cities Amazons)
7 Rachel Johnson (Exeter Chiefs)
8 Kate Zackary (Exeter Chiefs, capt)

16 Kathryn Treder (Beantown RFC)
17 Catie Benson (Sale Sharks)
18 Nick James (Sale Sharks)
19 Jenny Kronish (Harlequins)
20 Elizabeth Cairns (Life West Gladiatrix)
21 Carly Waters (Sale Sharks)
22 Megan Foster (Exeter Chiefs)
23 Lotte Clapp (Saracens)