The USA Eagles have named their squad for the first of a two-Test series against the Springbok Women in Johannesburg, with Saturday's match at Ellis Park — kicking off at 13:30 — marking the first time the USA Women have played South Africa on South African soil.
The occasion carries additional significance for lock Kate Zackary, who earns her 50th cap on the same day the USA celebrates its 250th anniversary. Zackary returns after missing the Pacific Four Series through injury, bringing with her experience from three Rugby World Cups and a recent PWR Final captaincy with Trailfinders. Flanker Georgie Perris-Redding captains the matchday side.
Two players come into the picture for the first time. Sevens speedster Ashley Cowdrey starts on the wing, while prop Elizabeth Cook is poised to make her Test debut off the bench, having previously played club rugby with the Charlotte Cardinals before moving overseas. Emily Henrich misses the full tour through injury.
The match forms part of a double-header alongside the SA men's Nations Championships opener. Head coach Jack Hanratty flagged the Ellis Park environment as a genuine test of his squad's development following a PAC4 campaign that lifted the Eagles to seventh in the world rankings, including a notable win over Australia.
USA: 15 Alev Kelter, 14 Bulou Mataitoga, 13 Telesi Uhatafe, 12 Katana Howard, 11 Ashley Cowdrey, 10 Bella Vogel, 9 Cass Bargell, 8 Freda Tafuna, 7 Georgie Perris-Redding (c), 6 Kate Zackary, 5 Hallie Taufoou, 4 Rachel Ehrecke, 3 Reece Woods, 2 Kathryn Treder, 1 Hope Rogers. Replacements: 16 Paige Stathopoulo, 17 Alivia Leatherman, 18 Elizabeth Cook, 19 Kapoina Bailey, 20 Tessa Hann, 21 Hann Humphreys, 22 Olivia Ortiz, 23 Kristin Bitter.