USA get big boost ahead of showdown against Springbok Women
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: In their first ever outing against the Women’s Springboks on South African soil, the Eagles will kick off the first match of this two-Test Tour in Johannesburg’s iconic Ellis Park Stadium.
The match will feature as part of a double header for the South African men’s Nations Championships opener.
Kate Zackary will run out for her 50th appearance in a USA jersey commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States on the Eagles July 4 Test against South Africa.
Zackary, who returns to the set up after missing the Pacific Four Series due to injury, made her USA debut in a Sevens jersey before her first 15s appearance in 2016. Leading from the pack, she has represented the USA in three Rugby World Cups injecting impact on and off the pitch.
With a roster of leaders returning from the Pacific Four Series, Georgie Perris-Redding will Captain the Eagles bringing on two new faces in Sevens standout Ashley Cowdrey who is set to start on the wing. Elizabeth Cook, who played her club rugby with the Charlotte Cardinals before moving overseas, will look to make her USA debut off the bench in the forwards pack. Out of action due to injury, Emily Henrich will miss out for the remainder of the Tour.
Coming off a productive PAC4 series, where the USA Eagles moved into 7th position on the table, taking on 10th ranked South Africa on home ground will be a challenge the squad is geared up for.
“We got a huge amount out of PAC4 from our Eagles environment – new athletes, staff and on-field. We targeted a win and what that experience felt like at PAC4. Getting a taste of that against Australia gave the group an appetite for more.,” head Coach, Jack Hanratty said.
“Playing in environments like Ellis Park will be the real litmus test for our group – for all players, whether they have 50 caps or earning their first.”
Hanratty added: “The Women’s Springboks had an incredibly strong performance at the Rugby World Cup, and we are looking forward to the challenge we know they will be presenting.
“South Africa is a new ground for the USA Women but this rugby obsessed environment is exactly where world-class moments are created.”
Celebrating Zackary’s 50th run out, Hanratty continued: “We are very lucky to have Kate back, fresh off captaining at the PWR Final with the Trailfinders, she brings an elevated level of professionalism and experience into our group.
“Fifty appearances for your country is a massive achievement, and this squad is incredibly motivated to mark and celebrate this milestone with her.”
USA: 15 Alev Kelter, 14 Bulou Mataitoga, 13 Telesi Uhatafe, 12 Katana Howard, 11 Ashley Cowdrey, 10 Bella Vogel, 9 Cass Bargell, 8 Freda Tafuna, 7Georgie Perris-Redding (Captain), 6 Kate Zackary, 5 Hallie Taufoou, 4 Rachel Ehrecke, 3 Reece Woods, 2 Kathryn Treder, 1 Hope Rogers.
Replacements: 16 Paige Stathopoulo, 17 Alivia Leatherman, 18 Elizabeth Cook, 19 Kapoina Bailey, 20 Tessa Hann, 21 Hann Humphreys, 22 Olivia Ortiz, 23 Kristin Bitter
Date: Saturday, July 4
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 13.30 (07.30 USA time, 11.30GMT)
Referee: Zoe Naude (SARU)
Assistant Referees: Giana Viljoen (SARU) & Angie Bezuidenhout (SARU)
TMO: Quinton Immelman (SARU)
