from USA Rugby:
ORLEANS, France — France is next on the slate for the Women’s Eagles, whom have named the squad for the contest in Stade Marcel Garcin. The Pete Steinberg lead Eagles are expecting the match to be even more physical than the last.
The forwards, and therein the front row are anticipating an all-out battle to take place when they step onto the field Wednesday night against France at 7 PM (1 PM ET).
“We are happy with the game against Italy, but we know that France will be a step up. They have big athletic forwards as we will need to match them up front to have a chance.”
Naima Reddick, Katy Augustyn, and Jamie Burke comprise the front row. Burke and Reddick bring a great deal of experience to the prop positions, boasting 41 caps between them. Augustyn will be making her second ever appearance for the Women’s Eagles.
Burke has once again been named captain for the match and will receive her 34th cap in return. Ashley Kmiecik has been selected as the vice-captain.
Teaming up with Kmiecik in the back-three will be a pair of contracted 7’s players in Kimber Rozier, who started at fullback against Italy, and Kaelene Lundstrum, who will receive her first international 15’s cap by slotting in as a wing.
The Women’s Eagles will be making its second appearance of the fall tour having defeated Italy, 34-20, on Sunday (Nov. 18).
A tight timetable between matches will test the US team that is attempting to replicate a World Cup-like schedule by competing three times over a six-day period. The Women’s Eagles outlasted Italy on Sunday and will play France again in Paris on Saturday (Nov. 24) for the third and final match.
France fell to England, 23-13 on Nov. 3 in its previous match, the 9th of the team’s 2012 campaign.
Both teams are meeting for the first time since 2009. The last match between the two teams resulted in a 15-15 draw.
“We are all very excited to play against France. They are a great side that will really test us,” said flanker Lynelle Kugler, who scored her first international try in the 2009 contest.
The Women’s Eagles final tour contest, against France (Nov. 24) will be held in Paris at Stade de France. Kickoff for that contest is set for 3 PM (9 AM ET).
Rugby Athletic presents the roster as the official sponsor for the Women’s Eagles European Tour. As a premier rugby apparel provider, Rugby Athletic outfits numerous teams across the US with custom rugby uniforms and team equipment.
USA v. FRANCE | STADE MARCEL GARCIN | ORLEANS, FRANCE
1. Naima Reddick
2. Katy Augustyn
3. Jamie Burke (C)
4. Rosie Miesner
5. Sharon Blaney
6. Laura Miller
7. Lynelle Kugler
8. Mel Denham
9. Jennifer Lui
10. Hannah Stolba
11. Ashley Kmiecik
12. Sam Pankey
13. Meya Bizer
14. Kaelene Lundstrum
15. Kimber Rozier
16. Kittery Wagner
17. Sarah Wilson
18. Sarah Chobot
19. Stacey Bridges
20. Shaina Turley
21. Carrie White
22. Sadie Anderson
23. Amy Daniels
Get updates on scores and the full Europe Tour here.
