Eagles finish Cup in fifth place

9.5.10 - from USA Rugby.org
GUILDFORD, UK - The Eagles hit their stride in the final match and played well when it really mattered. This was the Eagles' most tightly contested match of the World Cup with the USA and Canada switching the lead frequently throughout the match.
The Canadians struck early, having scored a penalty, a try, and a conversion within the first ten minutes of the match. Down by ten points early, the USA needed to wake up. And fast. Thanks to the boot of the American flyhalf, Christy Ringgenberg, the USA was brought back into the match. The pivot slotted two penalties for her side and brought the USA within four points. Canadian center, Sarah Ulmer, was carded in the 25th minute and would spend ten minutes in the bin, giving the Americans a one player advantage which they would capitalize on. Ashley English gave the USA the lead as she scored in the 30th minute, a missed conversion brought the scores to 11-10. The Canadians would answer back with a try of their own as the Canadian second-rower Megan Gibbs went over in the 35th minute. The conversion was good, and the scores at halftime were USA 11, Canada 17.
The second half would be a different story. The USA came out of halftime with an impetus that was slow to come in the first half. Inside center, Lynelle Kugler went over in the second minute of the half and a conversion from Ringgenberg brought the scores to 18-17 and a nail-biting finish to the match. Speedster Vanesha McGee added another try to the American tally only five minutes after Kugler's try. Ringgenberg's conversion wouldn't hit the mark. With a score of 23-17, the Americans maintained a lead, allowing only another penalty for the Canadians in the 66th minute. Canada was within three points for rest of the match, but the American lines held off the Canadians and would finish with a final score of 23-20.
"We are really proud of how the team came together for our last World Cup match. Today we played smart rugby, maintained possession, and came out with a win," said captain Ashley English.
Head coach Kathy Flores was pleased with the win, and also gracious to the Canadians, a team she has come to know extremely well both as a player and as a coach.
"Ultimately, I'm happy we maintained our fifth place standing. I know the players have grown with each International experience. We knew the match would be tight, and as much as we are rivals, we greatly appreciate having Canada as a consistent opponent," said head coach, Kathy Flores.
The Eagles finished the Women's Rugby World Cup with a 3-2 record, with the two losses coming in pool play. The losses to England and Ireland shut out American hopes for a semi-final berth, but the USA reacted to the two consecutive losses well. In their second match against Ireland, the USA came away with a 37 point victory, showing what the Eagles could do. In a tightly contested fifth place playoff, they showed that they had the skill and the character to overcome adversity and put in an enormous effort in a rivalry on the World stage.
USA

1. FARRAH DOUGLAS - AT LARGE (Replaced by Vivolo, 68')
2. LISA BUTTS - BERKELEY ALL-BLUES (Replaced by Wallace, 54')
3. JAMIE BURKE - BEANTOWN
4. BLAIRE GROEFSEMA - BERKELEY ALL-BLUES
5. SHARON BLANEY - BEANTOWN
6. KRISTIN ZDANCZEWICZ - MINNESOTA VALKYRIES
7. BECKETT ROYCE - ORSU (Replaced by Knight, 45')
8. MELANIE DENHAM - BEANTOWN
9. CLAUDIA BRAYMER - ALBANY
10. CHRISTY RINGGENBERG - MINNESOTA VALKYRIES
11. NATHALIE MARCHINO - BERKELEY ALL-BLUES (Replaced by Folayan, 64')
12. LYNELLE KUGLER - TWIN CITIES AMAZONS
13. AMY DANIELS - BEANTOWN
14. VANESHA MCGEE - NEW YORK
15. ASHLEY ENGLISH - BERKELEY ALL-BLUES (Captain)
16. MAURIN WALLACE - BEANTOWN (Replaced Lisa Butts, 54')
17. LARA VIVOLO - NEW YORK (Replaced Douglas, 68')
18. STACEY BRIDGES - AT LARGE
19. PHAIDRA KNIGHT - NEW YORK (Replaced Royce, 45')
20. KIM MAGRINI - KEYSTONE
21. MELISSA KANUK - MINNESOTA VALKYRIES
22. VICTORIA FOLAYAN - BERKELEY ALL-BLUES (Replaced Marchino, 64')

Tries: English (30'), Kugler (42'), McGee (47') Conversions: Ringgenberg (43')
Penalties: Ringgenberg (16', 20')

USA Exact Revenge on Ireland

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)

USA announces side for Ireland rematch

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.
Blair 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. BLAIR 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

The Women Eagles before their match against England. Despite putting the only points against England in this tournament, the US fell to 10-37.

Women Eagles in Rematch with Ireland

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

Semi Finals Set for World Cup

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.

Coach Alex Williams, Nathalie Marchino, Blair Groefsema, Victoria Folayan, Ashley English and other friends and family members at during tonight's team announcement for tomorrow's England match.
Photo: Bill English © 2010

U.S. Women's National Team Recovers and Makes Ready for England

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

KRYPTONITE

Superman has super human strength, can fly and is invincible. On earth he is one of the strongest people (alien super hero really but, just let me claim him for the human race ok?). His only weakness is Kryptonite. What sets Superman apart from his villain (Lex Luther) is confidence.  Villains are mostly arrogant and a little evil. The big difference between confidence and arrogance is that confident people have the ability to admit weaknesses and work through it. Arrogant people do everything they can to cover up any sign of short comings.  If you want to be truly strong you must admit you have a weakness. Superman knows that Kryptonite is his weakness and thus conquers all villains.

During the three week residency at Bowdoin College in Maine, the WNT players had to harness our Superhero qualities to make it through tough practices day after day. I asked several teammates what their Kryptonite is. Here are their answers:
Check out the video on www.wewantrugby.com