New Lineup for Second France Test

from USAWomensRugby.org:

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Coming off of the first victory over France in team history, the next group of Women’s Eagles has been selected to try and build on the historic win.  Eleven new starters fill the lineup that will try and replicate the success realized in the opening test.

Four returning starters will be joined by five reserves that saw game-time in the first France match.

“I’m interested to see how we do in the match because it is, for the most part, a completely different lineup,” remarked Pete Steinberg of the number of changes to the roster.  “How we do on Tuesday will determine exactly what kind of depth we have in moving forward.”

Kickoff for the match is set for 5 p.m. at Oxnard College Soccer Facility.

Out of the four returning starters, only two return to the position they held during Friday’s match.  Sadie Anderson moves to the flyhalf position from fullback, while Meya Bizer moves to fullback from the outside center position.

Of the two remaining at their original positions, Kittery Wagner stays at hooker and Sarah Walsh positions at lock.

“We are trying to evaluate different people at different positions and its best for our team development if we see these combinations in action,” said Shaina Turley, whom will be on the bench for the second test.

Replacing Turley at captain for the match is Ashley Kmiecik.  Wagner gets the nod at vice captain.

Although the number of alterations would cause concern to most, Steinberg points out that the experience of players is still very much present.

“There is only one new cap on the starting roster [for this match], so that means that everyone has at least some international rugby experience,” said Steinberg.  “There is actually fewer new caps this match than the opening match.”

Seven players claimed their first caps in the win against France.  Jessica Davis, Molly Kinsella, Ryan Carlyle, Megan Bonny, Anne Peterson, Erica Cavanaugh, and Amanda Street earned the first Women’s Eagles caps of their career, on Friday.

Gaining her first cap with the start in the second match is Erin Overcash.  She will step in at wing for the test.

In reserve, and hopeful for their first caps, are Hope Rogers and Carmen Farmer.  Rogers positions in at prop, while Farmer competes at lock.

Off the bench as well, Jamie Burke is in search of her 37^th cap as a Women’s Eagle.

In the opening match against Les Bleus, the Women’s Eagles were able to score a late try to overcome the French, 13-10.  Sadie Anderson was able to connect on two penalty goals and conversion in the win.

Sarah Chobot dotted down for the Women’s Eagles only try, which proved to be the winning score of the game.

The victory over France is the first such win in Women’s Eagles history.

The final match between USA and France will take place June 14, at the Home Depot Center campus.  The test will take place at 5 p.m., prior to the Men’s Eagles Pacific Nations Cup match against Tonga.

Universal Sports is scheduled to air both matches played in Carson, Calif.  Air times have yet to be determined.

 

 

USA v. FRANCE | OXNARD COLLEGE | JUNE 11, 2013
1. Naima Reddick
2. Kittery Wagner
3. Jessica Davis
4. Sarah Walsh
5. Sharon Blaney
6. Mel Denham
7. Kristen Zdanczewicz
8. Kate Daley
9. Carrie White
10. Sadie Anderson
11. Ashley Kmiecik (C)
12. Anne Peterson
13. Erin Overcash
14. Amanda Street
15. Meya Bizer
16. Devin Keller
17. Hope Rogers
18. Jamie Burke
19. Carmen Farmer
20. Shaina Turley
21. Jennifer Lui
22. Hanna Stolba
23. Megan Bonny