Unbeaten USA Women's Eagles name side to face world champions England in WXV decider

The USA Women’s Eagles head into Friday’s WXV Global Series finale against England with a perfect record intact, as head coach Jack Hanratty names his 23-woman squad for the showdown against the reigning world champions at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey.

The Eagles arrive on the back of four consecutive victories — wins over Ireland and Wales in September, followed by back-to-back triumphs over Italy — making England the sternest test of their campaign to date.

Hanratty makes two changes to the starting XV that faced Italy. Hope Rogers returns to the front row alongside Kathryn Treder and Keia Mae Sagapolu-Senele, while Abigail Paton comes in at scrum-half to partner fly-half Nina Mason — the other alteration from last week’s line-up.

The lock pairing of Hallie Taufoou and Rachel Ehrecke remains unchanged, and the back row sees co-captain Georgie Perris-Redding flanked by Hann Humphreys and Freda Tafuna as the Eagles brace for what Hanratty expects to be a physical contest.

Bella Vogel and Emily Henrich continue their centre partnership, with Alev Kelter, Bulou Mataitoga and Ashley Cowdrey completing the back three.

Lauryn Carlton, who made her international debut against Italy last week, drops to the bench alongside Paige Stathopoulos, Mona Tupou, co-captain Erica Jarrell-Searcy, Kapoina Bailey, Kate Zackary, Cass Bargell and Tess Hann.