Rival Chiefs go head-to-head in Dublin

By Harry Scott-Munro
11/11/21

Club friendships will be put to one side tomorrow evening as Exeter Chiefs Women’s team-mates Rachel Johnson and Kate Zackary, take on Laura Sheehan, as Ireland host the USA in their first-ever test at the RDS in Dublin.

Exeter wing Sheehan has been in superb form for her club this season and returns to the international fold against a side whom she scored a memorable long-range try against the last time Ireland and the USA Eagles met.

Sheehan is one of seven Allianz Premier 15s based players the side, whilst uncapped Munster back-row Maeve Óg O’Leary could make her debut off the bench. Ciara Griffin will captain the side from flanker as Head Coach Adam Griggs names an experienced squad against the sixth-ranked team in the world.

Ireland missed out on qualifying for the Rugby World Cup earlier this year, but they will be wanting to showcase what they can bring to the international table against an American side that will also be hurting, having suffered back-to-back defeats to Canada in Glendale.

“We have had two good weeks of preparation for the Autumn Tests and the group are excited to get back out on the pitch and put that hard work into action. A first Test at the RDS under Friday night lights will be a special occasion and we’re looking forward to having family, friends and our supporters back in the stands to get behind us.”

For the USA Eagles and Exeter Chiefs, they will have been disappointed to learn of Gabby Cantorna’s injury sustained in last Friday’s clash with Canada, that has ruled the centre out of action for an extended period.

Despite the setback, Head Coach Rob Cain has still been able to name a strong squad against Ireland, with Exeter Chiefs co-captain Zackary once again leading the side from No.8 with Rachel Johnson joining her in the back-row for the third straight match.

There are nine changes in all to the starting XV, with Catherin Benson, Rachel Ehrecke, Megan Foster and Kayla Canett among some of the names returning to the fold. There would also be a first international appearance for Kathryn Treder since 2019, with the hooker named on the bench.

Whilst disappointed by the defeats to Canada, Cain could see positives for his side, from both matches.

“The players’ effort has been incredible as they’ve changed so much in terms of their rugby. That said, it has also been a frustrating two weeks, especially when this hard work and evolution hasn’t always translated in real time.”

He was however, under no illusions that Ireland would present a stern challenge for his side on Friday night.

“The group remaining are under no illusions as to how strong a test Ireland will present. The fact that they’ve played seven test matches through the pandemic gives us another great platform to challenge where we are,” he explained. “At critical times, our focus, execution and precision needs to always be at the highest level. We are excited at the prospect of this squad bringing those key learnings to life this Friday.”