U.S. Seeks to Surprise England at Women’s Rugby World Cup

The United States seeks to surprise in the opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup against England in Sunderland. The “Red Roses” have only lost once against the United States, in their first encounter in the 1991 World Cup final, and are the big favorites of the tournament. However, they face a team of the “Eagles” who are eager to spoil the party and make a statement with the aim of reaching the semi-finals.

I don’t see it as a challenge. I see it as a great opportunity to really show what we’ve been working on and make a name for ourselves.

Kate Zackary, captain of the United States

Zackary also expressed his confidence in the team:

So I go into that game thinking we have the opportunity to win, obviously, if we don’t win, our goal is to get a lot of small victories. England has a great maul, can we stop it? They have incredible players in the three-quarter line. Can we stop that?

Kate Zackary, captain of the United States

After a disappointing campaign in 2022 and falling to the number 10 spot in the world, the United States yearns for success and to shake off the label of “sleeping giants”.

We are built to do something great, and I just want everyone to feel rewarded when we come out of here, that they really gave it their all. We leave, ideally, with a trophy, but if not, with our heads held high, we return to the United States and everyone sees that we really are a powerhouse. Not the sleeping giant that people have talked about for years.

Kate Zackary, captain of the United States

Ilona Maher, the game’s biggest star, will start in the outside center against England. Maher is aware that anything less than a full 80-minute performance will not be enough. Scrum-half Olivia Ortiz, for her part, stated that they want to bring an explosive and offensive style of rugby to the tournament, with players like fly-half McKenzie Hawkins, Maher and winger Bulou Mataitoga looking to ignite the competition.

We really want to play a fast-paced and really physical game, and then, if spaces open up, we want to kick and take advantage and put pressure back on our opponent. Whether through our run, pass, or kick. We seek to show the world what it’s all about.

Olivia Ortiz, USA scrum-half