Loughborough Lightning’s Kathryn Treder and Keia Mae Sagapolu have been named in the starting USA Eagles matchday squad to face Samoa on Saturday (6 September, kick-off: 1:30pm BST) at York Community Stadium.
The Eagles started their campaign with a defeat in Round 1 to the Red Roses, followed by a dramatic 31-all draw last weekend with Australia.
Front-row forwards Kathryn Treder and Keia Mae Sagapolu keep their places in the starting line-up, with Bordy and Kelter set to make an impact off the bench.
On the selection, Head Coach, Sione Fukofuka said: “Our focus for this week is directly on our own performance and what we can control.
“Samoa is a physical side that although beaten in their first two matches of the World Cup, has shown fight and resolve to keep playing for the full 80 minutes.
“We know our side of the equation and what we need to do in our attack and defence to create opportunities and turn over possession. We will work hard to build our possession stats and to convert opportunities into points.
“I was very proud of the team after the Australia match, especially the fight back in the second half to give ourselves a chance to win the game. We were composed and clear on what we needed to change and we were able to transfer pressure on to Australia.
“We played to our strengths by being physical and direct on both sides of the ball, and our scrum and lineout both performed well. Whilst not a win, the team has kept our chances alive and remain in the frame to earn qualification for a quarter final with a strong performance this week.”
USA Eagles v Samoa
Saturday 6 September
Kick-off: 1:30pm BST
York Community Stadium
15 Sariah Ibarra (USA Sevens)
14 Emily Henrich (Leicester Tigers / Boston Banshees)
13 Ilona Maher (Bristol Bears/USA Sevens)
12 Gabby Cantorna (Exeter Chiefs)
11 Erica Coulibaly (Denver Onyx)
10 McKenzie Hawkins (Denver Onyx)
9 Cassidy Bargell (Boston Banshees)
1 Hope Rogers (Exeter Chiefs)
2 Kathryn Treder (Loughborough Lightning/Bay Area Breakers)
3 Keia Mae Sagapolu (Loughborough Lightning)
4 Hallie Taufoou (Denver Onyx)
5 Erica Jarrell-Searcy (Sale Sharks)
6 Freda Tafuna (Lindenwood University)
7 Kate Zackary (C) (Trailfinders)
8 Rachel Johnson (Exeter Chiefs/Denver Onyx)
Replacements:
16 Paige Stathopoulos (Trailfinders/Boston Banshees)
17 Maya Learned (Trailfinders/Twin Cities Gemini)
18 Alivia Leatherman (Exeter Chiefs/Queensland Reds)
19 Tahlia Brody (Loughborough Lightning)
20 Olivia Ortiz (Sale Sharks)
22 Kristin Bitter (Denver Onyx)
23 Alev Kelter (Loughborough Lightning)
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