In late February the USA Eagles met in Charlotte, North Carolina, for an Identification and Assessment camp.
This was an early chance for the new Head Coach, Sione Fukofuka, to get to know his players better, as he prepares for the Pacific-4 series in April and May.
At the same time it pointed to the difficulties that constantly face the Eagles; none of the players based in Europe were present. 17 of the 31 invitees were already capped, but in effect it meant that players active at home in the national league and at colleges wouldn’t have the benefit of working alongside others with broader experience.
The location was interesting. After focusing on Glendale Colorado, for most of their combined work, now the Eagles moved to the eastern seaboard. Fair shares for all.
Their Programme
By way of preparation they are due to meet South Africa on 30 March at Ealing Trailfinders Ground in London. This represents another heartening extension in test-match opportunities. The nations have met five times before, USA winning four. Though they were both in WXV2 they didn’t meet up in combat, such are the fortunes of the draw.
The Pacific Four programme lasts from 27 April to 25 May. The prime aim must be to avoid the fourth place they obtained last year, but the prospects are no more encouraging than then.
In detail:
28 April v Canada, Los Angeles
11 May v New Zealand, Hamilton
17 May v Australia, Melbourne
The Charlotte squad:
Monalisa Tupou, Alivia Keatherman, Caitlin Weigel, Reede Woods, Mikaela Hall, Paige Stathopoulos, Yeja Dunn, Jett Hayward, Tiara A’au, Olivia Woods, Maya Learned, Jenny Kronish, Megan Pinson Neyen, Emerson Allen, Cindy Taulava, Freda Tafuna, Rachel Ehrecke, Samantha Brackett, Carly Waters, Taina Tukuafu, Kelsie O’Brien, Sophie Pyrz, Cassidy Bargell, McKenzie Hawkins, Kristin Bitter, Neariah Weathers, Tiahna Padilla, Amanda Berta, Nicky Kenyon, Susan Adegoke
For the trip to London Fukofuka has added:
Bulou Mataitoga, Catie Benson, Charli Jacoby (Queensland Reds), Emily Henrich, Erica Jarrell, Gabby Cantorna, Georgie Perris-Redding, Hallie Taufoou, Hope Rogers, Katana Howard, Kate Zackary (captain), Kathryn Treder, Keia Mae Sagapolu, Lotte Clapp, Olivia Ortiz, Rachel Johnson, Tahlia Brody, Tess Feury
All play in the English PWR, with the one exception indicated. Kate Zackary may be happy to take charge again. She was passed over in favour of Tyson Beukeboom at Trailfinders Women. And the choice of venue for the one-off match in London may be no happy accident.
