9.1.10 - from USA Rugby.org
GUILDFORD, UK - The Women's National Team came out on top of their rematch with Ireland in the Women's Rugby World Cup. With a final score of 40-3, the Eagles righted mistakes made in their previous pool play meeting. As a result, the Eagles will face Canada on September 5 in the 5th place playoff match.

The Eagles came out aggressively from the start with backs and forwards linking up on attack. Ireland had moments of effectiveness in slowing down the ball, but the Eagles were overall able to control the pace of the match. Victoria Folayan scored on a phenomenal run beating two Irish defenders with pure speed and fending off a third before crossing the line. This early backline attack put the Eagles up 5-0. At the midway point, the USA was awarded a scrum within five meters. Ireland collapsed the resulting maul under pressure awarding a penalty try to the Americans. Christy Ringgenberg added the extra points, and the score was 14-0. Ireland stayed in the match with a well struck penalty kick by Niamh Briggs, which would be Ireland's only points of the match. Just before the break, the USA would launch a devastating attack involving Ringgenberg linking with center Amy Daniels to add five more to the point total. The score at the half way mark was 21-3 in favor of the Eagles.

In the second half, the Americans managed to prevent Ireland from scoring despite a string of penalties and quality ball retention by their opponents. The Eagles struggled to remain disciplined in contact, but were able to absorb the Irish momentum. After winning possession, the USA made use of their potent backline as Folayan burst through two Irish defenders to offload to Daniels in support for the try. After a series of scrums, Claudia Braymer spread the ball wide to set up Folayan who used blistering pace to score in the corner. Ringgenberg's kick sailed wide and the score sat at 33-3. Replacement Vanesha McGee contributed in the final minutes by striding through a tackle to score the last try of the match. Ringgenberg tacked-on another conversion to complete the scoring at 40 - 3.

"After a tough performance against England, we were able to bounce back and take advantage of having a second chance at Ireland. We are happy with the result and look forward to playing Canada for 5th place," said head coach, Kathy Flores.

"We are really pleased with the tries scored and improvements in ball retention. Some work needs to be done on cleaning up around the breakdown and finding the balance between aggression and discipline to be ready for our next match against Canada. We are excited for our next challenge," said captain, Ashley English.

The USA now faces familiar foe Canada, who were able to secure their top six finish by defeating Scotland. The North American contest for 5th place will take place on Sunday in Guildford at Surrey Sports Park.

Match Details

USA 40, Ireland 3

USA 10
Tries: Folayan (2), Penalty Try Awarded, Daniels (2), McGee
Conversions: Ringgenberg (5)

Ireland 3
Penalties: Briggs (1)

8.31.10 - from USA Rugby.org
GUILDFORD, UK - The U.S. Women's National Team has been presented with an opportunity for redemption in a rematch against the Irish at Surrey Sports Park. Momentum gained from their last pool play match will bring them one step closer to a 5th place finish in the Women's Rugby World Cup. Results of this test will dictate their next opponent, depending on the outcome of the Canada versus Scotland, and will also impact the final tournament rankings.

The U.S. met Ireland in the second round of pool play and came away with a disappointing 22-12 loss. Commitment to the task and self-reflection resulted in a much stronger performance against England as the Eagles managed to score the only points against the tournament leaders in their nationally broadcast Pool B closing match with a final score of 37-10. The Irish drew Kazakhstan as their final pool play opponent and defeated them with little trouble by posting a 37-3 result.

"We are excited to have a second chance against Ireland. We have reviewed film, recognized our mistakes, and are looking forward to capitalizing on the corrections we were able to make against England," said head coach Kathy Flores.

The front row will relish another opportunity to test the Irish scrum with Farrah Douglas returning at loosehead prop and Mari Wallace back at hooker. Lara Vivolo will join them with fresh legs at tighthead prop.

Blaire Groefsema and Sharon Blaney will team up once more to provide resolute strength in the second row. Blindside flanker, Kristin Zdanczewicz, will launch from the back row with assistance from openside, Beckett Royce, and Mel Denham at number eight.

Scrumhalf Kim Magrini will push the tempo alongside Christy Ringgenberg at flyhalf, while Nathalie Marchino and Vix Folayan cover the wings. Emilie Bydwell will handle the inside center position with support from Amy Daniels at outside. Ashley English completes the back triangle at fullback.

"It's not often in rugby that we get the chance to play an international squad again so soon. We are looking forward to the rematch against Ireland. We'll be focusing on cleaning up our penalties around the breakdown, while still playing aggressive, physical defense. On offense, we'll look to maintain possession of the ball in contact, and getting the ball into the try zone," said team captain, English.

USA versus Ireland will take place at 4:30 p.m. GMT on the main pitch at Surrey Sports Park to account for the high volume of supporters from both nations. Match updates will be provided via Twitter (@USAEaglesRugby) and The Official USA Rugby Fan Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Official-USA-Rugby-Fan-Page/341122858139.

USA v IRELAND

1. FARRAH DOUGLAS - AT LARGE
2. MAURIN WALLACE - BERKELEY ALL-BLUES
3. LARA VIVOLO - NEW YORK
4. BLAIRE GROEFSEMA - BERKELEY ALL-BLUES
5. SHARON BLANEY - BEANTOWN
6. KRISTIN ZDANCZEWICZ - MINNESOTA VALKYRIES
7. BECKETT ROYCE - ORSU
8. MELANIE DENHAM - BEANTOWN
9. KIM MAGRINI - KEYSTONE
10. CHRISTY RINGGENBERG - MINNESOTA VALKYRIES
11. NATHALIE MARCHINO - BERKELEY ALL-BLUES
12. EMILIE BYDWELL - BEANTOWN
13. AMY DANIELS - BEANTOWN
14. VICTORIA FOLAYAN - BERKELEY ALL-BLUES
15. ASHLEY ENGLISH - BERKELEY ALL-BLUES
16. LISA BUTTS - BERKELEY ALL-BLUES
17. NAIMA REDDICK - BERKELEY ALL-BLUES
18. STACEY BRIDGES - AT LARGE
19. PHAIDRA KNIGHT - NEW YORK
20. CLAUDIA BRAYMER - ALBANY
21. MELISSA KANUK - MINNESOTA VALKYRIES
22. VANESHA MCGEE - NEW YORK

from USA Rugby.org
GUILDFORD, UK - USA dropped their final Pool B match against England, who will enter the semi finals as the top seed of the Women's Rugby World Cup. The four teams to go through to the semi-finals include New Zealand, France, Australia, and England. The Women Eagles, while disappointed in the result, produced an exciting display of rugby fit for a nationwide broadcast.

England's Danielle Waterman drew first blood in the first five minutes utilizing blistering speed to the outside. Katy McLean added three more points with a well-struck penalty making the score 8-0 in favor of England. The Women Eagles responded midway through the first half with a try by Nathalie Marchino. The wing broke through initially, setting up several successful phases and worked her way back into play to finish the move with a try in the corner.

England countered by scoring with five minutes remaining in the half to extend their lead to 13-5. McLean weighted a grubber kick perfectly for Merchant who touched down for the score. USA then went down a player after Marchino was yellow carded and England took full advantage with another try from Waterman. The fullback evaded several defenders before scoring under the posts and the half would close with England leading 20-5.

The USA began the second half with fierce aggression and commitment in the tackle as the English Roses suffered a few early mishandles. Ten minutes into the second half, English center, Emily Scarratt, righted the situation by breaking two tackles and sprinting to the line to give England a 25-5 lead. At the 60 minute mark, despite another yellow card dealt to the Americans, the Women Eagles scored their second try through a dedicated effort by Kim Magrini. Christy Ringgenberg's boot gave the USA possession around England's 22 meter line to lead into some open play, with Magrini diving in for the try, making the score 25-10.

England's final phases produced well-worked tries by Amber Penrith, who was able to beat the USA defense outside, and Maggie Alphonsi who side-stepped her way into another five points. The final whistle sounded and England had defeated the USA with a score of 37-10.

"I'm pleased with our performance as we proved we were able to bounce back from a disheartening second round match. We were able to score and defend against England, one of the top ranked teams in the tournament, and we forced them to bring their best game to earn the win. We believe we are in a positive position leading into next week," said Eagle head coach, Kathy Flores.

With the final pool play points tallied, the Women Eagles have earned a second chance against Ireland in a battle for placement amongst the fifth to eighth seeds. England will look forward to a semifinal against Australia. The USA will take on Ireland one more time on Wednesday September 1, hopefully with a better result than their previous encounter. The USA lost their second Pool B match against the Irish 22-12 on August 24.

USA 10, England 37
USA 10
Tries: Marchino, Magrini
England 37
Tries: Waterman (2), Scarratt, Merchant, Penrith, Alphonsi
Penalties: McLean
Conversions: McLean 2

from IRB.com
8.28.10 - Hosts England will face Australia in one semi final, with New Zealand taking on France in the other after a dramatic climax to the pool stages of Women's Rugby World Cup 2010 before a sell-out crowd at Surrey Sports Park in Guildford.

England are the top seeds after the pool stages, by virtue of a better point differential than New Zealand, after both finished with a maximum 15 points, two more than France who are the other Pool winner.

Three-time defending champions New Zealand will face France in the first semi final at the Twickenham Stoop on Wednesday 1, September at 18:00 local time, before England take on Australia at 20:15 local time.

New Zealand were the first to confirm their place after beating Wales 41-8 to top Pool A, swiftly followed by France who overcame Canada 23-8 in the Pool C decider with England the final Pool winner to be confirmed after a 37-10 defeat of the USA.

The race to secure the remaining semi final spot, as the best second placed team across the pools, was a complex one with Canada initially holding it before Australia stuck to their task and beat South Africa 62-0, surpassing the 56-point margin they needed at the death to end Canada's hopes.

Ireland were another side in contention for the coveted spot, but despite beating Kazakhstan 37-3 were well short of their required point target, leaving them to battle it out for fifth to eighth places with Canada, USA and Scotland.

South Africa, Wales, Sweden and Kazakhstan will play-off for ninth to 12th places.

For more RWC Women's news go to www.rwcwomens.com.

8.27.10 - from USA Rugby.org
GUILDFORD, UK - USA Rugby's Women's National Team has regrouped from a difficult loss to Ireland to name an official roster for the final round of Women's Rugby World Cup pool play against England. This crucial match will determine the USA's fate in terms of a possible semi-final appearance and will be broadcast on Universal Sports channel at 10 p.m. EST.

England currently holds the lead in Pool B with a convincing 12-try win over Kazakhstan and a more challenging 27-0 contest against Ireland. USA found a similar result against Kazakhstan with an impressive 51-0 offensive display. Their second pool play match offered a different outcome as Ireland was able to capitalize on the USA's mistakes and come away winners with a score of 22-12. The Women Eagles intend to regain their form by improving their ball retention, while maintaining their focus under pressure.

"The energy is high and the players are ready to play to the best of their abilities. We are looking forward to an elevated game of rugby and showcasing what this team can do when faced with a challenge," said head coach, Kathy Flores.

The tight five will look to carry over their strong scrum performance against Ireland against a technically sound English side.- Farrah Douglas will remain at loosehead prop with Lisa Butts getting the nod at hooker. Jamie Burke will once again provide leadership up front at tighthead.

Blaire Groefsema and Sharon Blaney will provide raw power as the locks, while blindside flanker, Phaidra Knight, and openside, Kristin Zdanczewicz, will amp up the intensity in the backrow. Mel Denham solidifies the forward pack at number 8. Kim Magrini, as scrumhalf, will work to distribute clean ball to flyhalf, Christy Ringgenberg. Nathalie Marchino joins Vanesha McGee, who showed great pace against Ireland in a late USA rally, on the wing. Lynelle Kugler will move in one spot to inside center to team up with Amy Daniels at outside. Ashley English completes the roster as team captain and full back. A change to the overall squad due to injury has also been confirmed as Ashley Kmiecik suffered multiple facial fractures during match play against Kazakhstan. Reserve player, Hannah Stolba, has been called up to provide assistance throughout the tournament.

Webcast Details

USA versus England is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 GMT and will be broadcast nation wide at 10 p.m. EST via Universal Sports (http://www.universalsports.com/tv-listings/Universal_Sports_on_TV.html) and streamed online at http://www.rwcwomens.com/video/index.html. Match updates will also be provided via Twitter (@USAEaglesRugby) and the Official USA Rugby Fan Facebook page.

Matches are Sold Out

from IRB.com - For the third match day in succession tournament organisers have confirmed that the full house signs will be up at Surrey Sports Park on Saturday, August 28 as the pool phase of Women's Rugby World Cup 2010 reaches a dramatic conclusion.

In the race for semi final places defending champions New Zealand will face Wales (14.00 local time), while Australia take on South Africa (16.15) in Pool A.

Pool B sees hosts England face USA (18.30) with Ireland playing Kazakhstan (16.30) with all but the Asian champions still in with a chance of reaching the final four.

The Pool C decider will see France play Canada (14.15) for the automatic semi final spot, after Scotland play Sweden (12.00) in the opening game of the day. For more RWC Women's news go to www.rwcwomens.com.

USA

1. FARRAH DOUGLAS - At Large
2. LISA BUTTS - Berkeley All-Blues
3. JAMIE BURKE - Beantown
4. BLAIRE GROEFSEMA - Berkeley All-Blues
5. SHARON BLANEY - Beantown
6. PHAIDRA KNIGHT - New York
7. KRISTIN ZDANCZEWICZ - Minnesota Valkyries
8. MELANIE DENHAM - Beantown
9. KIM MAGRINI - Keystone
10. CHRISTY RINGGENBERG - Minnesota Valkyries
11. NATHALIE MARCHINO - Berkeley All-Blues
12. LYNELLE KUGLER - Twin Cities Amazons
13. AMY DANIELS - Beantown
14. VANESHA MCGEE - New York
15. ASHLEY ENGLISH - Berkeley All-Blues
16. MAURIN WALLACE - Beantown
17. LARA VIVOLO - New York
18. KITTERY WAGNER - Beantown
19. STACEY BRIDGES - At Large
20. CLAUDIA BRAYMER - Albany
21. MELISSA KANUK - Minnesota Valkyries
22. VICTORIA FOLAYAN - Berkeley All-Blues

from USA Rugby.org
8.25.10 - GUILDFORD, UK - The United States women couldn't overcome a spirited Irish side in their second match of the Women's Rugby World Cup. With a final score of 12-22, the USA are now in a difficult position as far as pool play is concerned as they approach their match against England on Saturday.

US Coach Kathy Flores talks to her team prior to the match.

Confidence was high going in to the match against Ireland as the USA was coming off a 51-0 victory over Kazakhstan. However, as head coach Kathy Flores predicted, the Irish defense was tenacious and a number of missed opportunities led to an unfavorable result.

Ireland number eight, Joy Neville, celebrated earning her 50th international cap by scoring early in the match, while Niamh Briggs missed the conversion as the Women Eagles found themselves down by five points. Prop Jamie Burke, amongst a mass of USA forwards, would drive over the try line and Mel Kanuk would tack-on another two points with a successful conversion. The Irish fullback, Briggs, would atone for her missed conversion earlier in the match with ball in-hand as she scored in the 35th minute. Her kick would sail wide as the score held at 7-10 in favor of Ireland going in to the half.

"At the half we stressed the importance of capitalizing on our opportunities. We were struggling to retain possession and the penalty count was becoming a major factor," said head coach, Kathy Flores.

Five minutes in to the second half, Neville would score her second try of the match with Briggs failing to convert. Several changes in possession tempered by a flurry of handling errors went on throughout the match. The Irish scored their final try, courtesy of scrumhalf Tania Rosser, on a quick penalty and Briggs' conversion found the mark. With an Irish victory on the horizon, USA refused to back down as winger Vanesha McGee scored in the 73rd minute. The late offensive burst by the USA would not be enough to overcome the point deficit as Mel Kanuk's conversion missed. The score was 12-22 and would remain unchanged until the final whistle.

"You have to give credit to Ireland for playing a solid, all-around game; now we have to do our best to look forward to the next match," said head coach, Kathy Flores.

"We made a lot of mistakes, especially with our handling, and Ireland was able to take advantage. We had some opportunities to score, but we just couldn't put enough points on the board. Preparation for England has new meaning starting tomorrow," said captain Ashley English.

The Eagles face tournament hosts England on Saturday and will be broadcast at 10 p.m. EST on Universal Sports. For listings in your local area, visit the Universal Sports website, or follow this link: http://www.universalsports.com/tv-listings/Universal_Sports_on_TV.html.

Final - USA 12, Ireland 22

USA

1. Farrah Douglas - Keystone
2. Maurin Wallace - Beantown
3. Jamie Burke - Beantown (Replaced by Reddick, 50')
4. Stacey Bridges - Texas A&M
5. Beckett Royce - ORSU Rugby Club (Replaced by Blaney, 46')
6. Melanie Denham - Beantown (Replaced by Knight, 64')
7. Kittery Wagner - Beantown
8. Blair Groefsema - Berkeley All-Blues
9. Claudia Braymer - Albany Sirens
10. Christy Ringgenberg - Minnesota Valkyries
11. Victoria Folayan - Berkeley All-Blues (Replaced by Marchino, 54')
12. Melissa Kanuk - Minnesota Valkyries
13. Lynelle Kugler - Twin Cities Amazons
14. Vanesha McGee - New York
15. Ashley English - Berkeley All-Blues
16. Lisa Butts - Berkeley All-Blues
17. Naima Reddick - Berkeley All-Blues (Replaced Burke, 50')
18. Sharon Blaney - Beantown (Replaced Royce, 46')
19. Phaidra Knight - New York (Replaced Denham, 64')
20. Kim Magrini - Keystone
21. Amy Daniels - Beantown
22. Nathalie Marchino - Berkeley All-Blues (Replaced Folayan, 54')

Tries: Jamie Burke (17' ), Vanesha McGee (73') Conversions: Mel Kanuk (18')

IRELAND

1. Fiona Coghlan (Captain)
2. Gillian Bourke
3. Louise Austin (Replaced by Fanning, 64')
4. Kate O'Loughlin
5. Marie Louise Reilly (Replaced by Mahon, 64')
6. Orla Brennan (Replaced by Ryan, 71')
7. Claire Molloy
8. Joy Neville
9. Tania Rosser (Replaced by Beamish, 74')
10. Helen Brosnan (Replaced by Houston, 68')
11. Nora Stapleton
12. Lynne Cantwell
13. Jo O'Sullivan
14. Amy Davis (Replaced by Kelly, 64')
15. Niamh Briggs
16. Chris Fanning (Replaced Austin 64')
17. Laura Guest
18. Caroline Mahon (Replaced Reilly, 64')
19. Sinead Ryan (Replaced Brennan, 71')
20. Louise Beamish (Replaced Rosser, 74')
21. Shannon Houston (Replaced Brosnan, 68')
22. Mairead Kelly (Replaced Davis, 64')

Tries: Joy Neville (6'), Niamh Briggs (35'), Joy Neville (45'), Tania Rosser (53') Conversions: Niamh Briggs (54')

from USA Rugby.org
8.23.10 - GUILDFORD, UK - The Women's Rugby World Cup moves forward as the U.S. Women's National Team prepare for Ireland at the Surrey Sports Complex in Guildford, England on Tuesday, August 24th at 4:30 p.m. GMT (11:15 a.m. EST). Head Coach, Kathy Flores, has made changes from their successful day one appearance against Kazakhstan to match up against the dogged Irish defense.

"We expect the Irish to be extremely passionate and fight for every ball they can get, so it is important that we counter their aggression," Flores said.

Ireland was defeated by England on day one of Women's Rugby World Cup action with a score of 27-0. The physical and committed Irish side held strong until the final minutes giving up a late try and bonus point to the tournament hosts. The U.S., coming off a 51-0 route of Kazakhstan, will be looking to lessen their penalty count, while continuing to deploy an explosive offensive arsenal against their second Pool B opponent.

US vs Kazakhstan
Photo Gallery
Photos by Bill English

"We are building on the positive aspects of our last match and looking forward to improving our attack, while stepping up our defense against a strong Irish side," said captain, Ashley English.

The front row will be led by Farrah Douglas at loosehead prop, Mari Wallace at hooker, and Jamie Burke at tighthead.

Locks Stacey Bridges and Beckett Royce will provide the drive needed to control the Irish scrum with assistance from blindside flanker Mel Denham and openside flanker, Kitt Wagner. Blair Groefsema will direct the back row at number eight.

The backline will continue to attack with new leadership from Claudia Braymer at scrumhalf and tournament high-scorer, Christy Ringgenberg, at flyhalf. Vanesha McGee will switch in to join Victoria Folayan on the wings. The center pairing also changes to include Melissa Kanuk at inside and Lynelle Kugler at outside. Team captain, Ashley English, will direct the back triangle at fullback.

The USA will face Ireland as the fifth match of the day in the second round of Women's Rugby World Cup pool play action. To receive real-time match information follow the official USA Rugby fan updates on Twitter (@USAEaglesRugby) and Facebook.

Roster: USA v Ireland

1. Farrah Douglas - Keystone
2. Maurin Wallace - Beantown
3. Jamie Burke - Beantown
4. Stacey Bridges - Texas A&M
5. Beckett Royce - ORSU Rugby Club
6. Melanie Denham - Beantown
7. Kittery Wagner - Beantown
8. Blair Groefsema - Berkeley All-Blues
9. Claudia Braymer - Albany Sirens
10. Christy Ringgenberg - Minnesota Valkyries
11. Victoria Folayan - Berkeley All-Blues
12. Melissa Kanuk - Minnesota Valkyries
13. Lynell Kugler - Twin Cities Amazons
14. Vanesha McGee - New York
15. Ashley English - Berkeley All-Blues
16. Lisa Butts - Berkeley All-Blues
17. Naima Reddick - Berkeley All-Blues
18. SHARON BLANEY - Beantown
19. PHAIDRA KNIGHT - New York
20. KIM MAGRINI - Keystone
21. AMY DANIELS - Beantown
22. NATHALIE MARCHINO - Berkeley All-Blues

8.20.10 - from USA Rugby.org
GUILDFORD, England - The USA Rugby Women's National Team defeated Kazakhstan by a score of 51- 0 at Surrey Sports Park in Guildford. Christy Ringgenberg tallied 26 points and involved many of her teammates in attack to secure a massive victory in the opener.

The scoring started off the boot of Ringgenberg as she slotted a penalty kick, capitalizing on an early Kazakhstan infraction. With a quick break down the touch line, Nathalie Marchino went over for the first try of the day. Ringgenberg converted and the Eagles found themselves ahead with seven points. Ringgenberg was not only a threat at kicking for points, but with ball in hand, she proved to be extremely evasive. The USA continued the attack after a short lapse in momentum due to frustrating penalties. Ringgenberg added another three points just before the half, making it 13-0.

"We struggled with adjustment around the breakdown at first in terms of penalties, but we were able to solve the issue, making it easier for our backs to run free," said Head Coach, Kathy Flores.

Ringgenberg added, "We feel like one of our strengths is getting the ball to the outside and we have been working to involve the wings more; we are refining our attack with every new opportunity."

Second half scoring started very shortly after the restart with Victoria Folayan breaking the line and Ringgenberg finishing with a try. With a successful conversion, the score was 20-0 as the Eagles began to pull away. Marchino and Amy Daniels stopped the attack of Kazakhstan with chasing tackles and stout defense all around. A try by fullback Ashley Kmiecik and a conversion gave the USA a 27 point lead. Flanker Phaidra Knight drove over the try line for another five points, but the conversion missed, putting the Eagles ahead, 32-0. The USA continued to go forward and Ringgenberg went over for another try thanks to her captain, Jamie Burke, who broke play wide open with a strong forward charge. Burke was replaced by Farrah Douglas as Ringgenberg slotted the conversion.

"So many of our points came out of necessary adjustments. We were able to find the right mix of attack and ball retention when it was needed," said match captain, Burke.

Marchino continued her impressive form as she offloaded to Daniels to bring the tally to 44 points for the USA. Marchino then found her own reward while sprinting over for a try with time winding down. Women Eagles veteran, Ashley English, came on shortly after to build towards the USA's next match against Ireland on Tuesday, August 20, 2010. With one last successful Ringgenberg conversion, the scoring ended with the USA racking up a total of 51 points against Kazakhstan.

Pool B Report from the IRB Women's World Cup.

USA 51, Kazakhstan 0
Trys: Marchino (2), Ringgenberg (2), Kmiecik, Knight, Daniels
Conversions: Ringgenberg (5) Penalties: Ringgenberg (2)

USA: 1. Jamie Burke (Farrah Douglas), 2. Lisa Butts, 3. Naima Reddick, 4. Beckett Royce (Stacey Bridges), 5. Sharon Blaney, 6. Phaidra Knight, 7. Kristin Zdanczewicz (Kittery Wagner), 8. Mel Denham, 9. Kim Magrini, 10. Christy Ringgenberg, 11. Victoria Folayan, 12. Emilie Bydwell, 13. Amy Daniels, 14. Nathalie Marchino, 15. Ashley Kmiecik (Ashley English).

Kazakhstan: 1. Natalya Kamendrovskaya, 2. Tatyana Ashikhmina, 3. Tatyana Pshenichnaya, 4. Svetlana Karatygina, 5. Marianna Balashova, 6. Alfiya Mustafina, 7. Irina Radzivil, 8. Anna Yakovleva, 9. Anastassiya Khamova, 10. Tatyana Tur, 11. Irina Amossova, 12. Amina Baratova, 13. Olga Kumanikina, 14. Svetlana Klyucknikova, 15. Aigerym Daurembayeva.

England 27 - Ireland 0
France 15 - Sweden 9
New Zealand 55 - South Africa 3
US 51 - Kazakhstan 0
Canada 37 - Scotland 10
Wales 12 - Australia 26

8.19.10 - from USA Rugby.com
The USA Women's National Team expects a highly physical encounter with Kazakhstan in the first Pool B match of the 2010 Women's Rugby World Cup.

GUILDFORD, England - USA Rugby Women's National Team Head Coach Kathy Flores has officially named her roster for the Women's Rugby World Cup opening match against Kazakhstan.

The match will be played at the world-class Surrey Sports Park in Guildford. Kickoff is at 2:15 p.m. GMT (9:15 a.m. EST) on Friday August 20.

Kazakhstan advanced to the Women's Rugby World Cup after defeating Japan in the Asian qualifying tournament. The U.S., after automatic qualification, has undergone months of preparation including a full immersion residency camp at Bowdoin College in Maine and an early UK arrival to help with time zone difference and weather acclimation.

"We have spent a great amount of effort training and challenging each other and we are greatly looking forward to testing ourselves against World class competition," Flores said.

"Kazakhstan will be physical and unpredictable, so we have worked on our ability to make quick and efficient adjustments. This match will be all about making necessary transitions at ideal moments."

"This will be a hard, physical match and we are looking forward to coming out with pace and setting the bar high for this Women's Rugby World Cup," said USA Captain, Jamie Burke.

Burke is slated to start at loosehead prop with Lisa Butts at hooker and Naima Reddick at tighthead.

Beckett Royce and Sharon Blaney fuel the engine room at lock, while blindside flanker Phaidra Knight and openside Kristin Zdanczewicz look to counter Kazakhstan's physicality with controlled aggression in the contact area and breakdown. Supporting their efforts at number eight with consistent pressure in contact is Melanie Denham.

The backline is anchored by experienced WRWC veterans and a backline with explosive speed and scoring capability.

Kim Magriniwill direct traffic at scrumhalf and her halfback partner will be Christy Ringgenberg who will play at flyhalf. Nathalie Marchino, Victoria Volayan will pair up at on the wings and Ashley Kmiecik will complete the back three at fullback. In the midfield, Emilie Bydwell and Amy Daniels will look to create free-flowing sequences in the centers.

The USA vs. Kazakhstan match follows Canada vs. Scotland on Pitch 2 of the Surrey Sports Complex and prefaces an important Pool B matchup of England vs. Ireland on Pitch 1. For broadcast information on the Women's Rugby World Cup visit http://www.rwcwomens.com.

Read more about the Women Eagles on the eve of the 2010 World Cup in this feature from Rugby Magazine.

USA Roster vs. Kazakhstan

1. Jamie Burke (Captain)
2. Lisa Butts
3. Naima Reddick
4. Beckett Royce
5. Sharon Blaney
6. Phaidra Knight
7. Kristin Zdanczewicz
8. Melanie Denham
9. Kim Magrini
10. Christy Ringgenberg
11. Nathalie Marchino
12. Emilie Bydwell
13. Amy Daniels
14. Victoria Folayan
15. Ashley Kmiecik
16. Kittery Wagner
17. Farrah Douglas
18. Stacey Bridges
19. Blair Groefsema
20. Claudia Braymer
21. Melissa Kanuk
22. Ashley English (Captain)

8.18.10 - from USA Rugby.org
GUILDFORD, England - U.S. Women's National Team players and staff eagerly await the start of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2010 which will begin for them this Friday against Kazakhstan. The global showcase tournament will elevate the sport to new levels of awareness around the world via an unprecedented broadcast platform.

The event features the world's best female rugby teams that qualified for the 17-day tournament through the first ever global qualification process. Six teams qualified automatically; three-time defending champions New Zealand, 2006 runners-up England, 1991 champion USA, France, Canada, and South Africa. Kazakhstan, Australia, Wales, Ireland, Scotland and Sweden have also qualified through an extensive competition process.

The U.S. Women's National Team faces off against Kazakhstan on August 20th in their first Pool B matchup at Surrey Sports Park in Guildford. The Americans will face Ireland on August 24th and England on August 28th. The semifinals and final will take place at the Twickenham Stoop on Wednesday, September 1st and Sunday, September 5th, respectively.

"Women's Rugby World Cup has redefined the boundaries of women's rugby over the years, producing memorable encounters, outstanding rugby and positioning the women's game in front of global audiences. Through an irresistible platform of record TV coverage, highly-competitive matches, unprecedented media interest and strong public support, I am sure that Women's Rugby World Cup 2010 will take the women's game to new levels, attracting new audiences in the UK and around the world," said IRB Vice Chairman Bill Beaumont at the official launch in City Hall, London.

"I would like to thank the many people at the RFUW (Rugby Football Union Women, England's women's rugby governing body) and RFU who have worked tirelessly to ensure that the Women's Rugby World Cup 2010 is the biggest and most successful tournament to-date. With all the teams here, we can look forward to a wonderful festival of world-class rugby played in impressive venues in front of large enthusiastic audiences. It promises to be an event not to be missed."

US Captain Ashley English with the World Cup.

American captain, Ashley English, hopes the tournament will land the USA back on the champions' platform. "We are ready and excited for our first match against Kazakhstan on Friday. We've been working towards this since the last Women's Rugby World Cup - we have put work in at the weight room, on the track, in every preparation match, all with this event in mind. We have come so far, and now that we are here, it is so thrilling and we are looking forward to rising to the challenge," said English.

The U.S. takes on Kazakhstan this Friday, August 20 at Surrey Sports Park in Guildford.

To send a "shout out" to the U.S. Women's National Team or to purchase exclusive supporters' merchandise log on to www.wewantrugby.com. For more information on the U.S. Women's Rugby World Cup experience, visit www.usarugby.org.

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