England has announced the squad set to face the USA in their final pool game of the Women’s Rugby World Cup (WRWC).
In the hope of booking their place the final four, England must beat the USA in a tense finale tomorrow (August 28) where coach Gary Street has had to make some tough squad decisions. Street brings captain and number eight Catherine Spencer (pictured) back into the side, after being rested in the game against Kazakhstan, while hooker Amy Garnett is set to write her name in the record books for the most-capped player when she takes to the field for her 89th cap for England.
Street has made a few changes to allow rest for some players, while at the same time trying to play the majority of his squad in all of the pool games. The front and second row will all feature new personnel, and Emily Scarratt makes her return at the back. He said:
“As I have said before our campaign in this World Cup is all about having a squad of 26, and I plan to use every single player to keep all them fresh and fit and challenging for their starting position.
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Rugby: England rout Kazakhstan in 12 try victory
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England have won both of their other pool games, hammering Kazakhstan 82-0 and defeating Ireland 27-0. Sitting proudly at the top of Pool B, with a points tally of ten, England face Annual Nations Cup opponents the USA, having also come face-to-face a year ago in Canada, winning 36-7.
The ladies have scored a massive 109 points so far in the competition and haven’t conceded a single point. However, the Yanks are also fighting for a semi-final spot which is to be held at the Twickenham’s Stoop on September 1, but coach Street knows his team will remain focused come tomorrow evening:
“This is going to be a huge match with both teams fighting for semi final qualification. We know they are going to really come at us with their hugely physical and athletic players. We have got to make sure we win the battle on the day.”
England’s final pool game against the USA kicks-off tomorrow (August 28) at 6:30 pm at Surrey Sports Park in Guildford.
For WRWC 2010 tickets visit the Ticketmaster website or call 0844 844 2010. The semi finals and final will be held at the Twickenham Stoop. Rugby fans who buy tickets for the WRWC 2010 will also be put on a priority ticketing information list for the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England. For a full schedule of fixtures and to follow England in the WRWC visit www.rfu.com/
Lisa Warman, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
