The USA insist they’re out to trigger an upset in Friday’s Girls’s Rugby World Cup opener in opposition to England in Sunderland.
The Pink Roses have misplaced simply as soon as to the U.S. — their first encounter within the 1991 World Cup closing — and are heavy pre-tournament favouirtes.
Nevertheless, they face an Eagles aspect who’re eager to disrupt the get together and make an announcement as they set their sights on reaching the semifinals.
“I do not see it as a problem. I see it as an enormous alternative for us to really showcase what we have been engaged on and make a reputation for ourselves,” captain Kate Zackary advised ESPN.
“So I am going into that sport pondering we have now a possibility to win, clearly if we do not win our purpose although is to win a lot of small victories. England’s obtained a monster mall, can we shut that down? They have superb again three gamers. Can we shut that down?”
After an underwhelming marketing campaign in 2022 and falling to No. 10 on the earth, the U.S. are determined for achievement and to shake their “sleeping giants” tag.
0:52
Ortiz: No higher place to be internet hosting a World Cup than England
USA scrum-half Olivia Ortiz shares her pleasure about dealing with England within the opening match on the 2025 Girls’s Rugby World Cup.
“We’re constructed to do one thing nice, and I simply need everybody to really feel rewarded once we stroll out of right here that they really gave it their all,” Zackary mentioned.
“We stroll away with ideally a chunk of {hardware}, but when nothing else, our heads held excessive, we return to America and everybody simply sees that we’re actually a powerhouse. Not the sleeping big individuals have talked about for years.”
Ilona Maher, the sport’s greatest star, will begin at exterior centre in opposition to England, mentioned that they’re conscious something however a full 80-minute efficiency will not be adequate.
– Can Ilona Maher remodel the Girls’s Rugby World Cup?
– Hamilton: Historical past beckons within the Girls’s Rugby World Cup
– Q&A: Why England are favourites; gamers to look at
“We have been beginning very sturdy in a few of these matches and the primary half,” Maher advised ESPN. “It is how can we hold that momentum going? I feel [against] England it’ll take being on type the entire complete time. You may’t slip up with them.”
Scrum-half Olivia Ortiz mentioned they need to carry an explosive, attacking type of rugby to the match with gamers like fly-half McKenzie Hawkins, Maher and winger Bulou Mataitoga seeking to mild up the competitors.
“We’re actually eager to play quick tempo sport and a extremely bodily one at that, after which if areas open up, we need to be kicking and taking benefit and placing the stress again on our opposition,” Ortiz advised ESPN.
“Whether or not that is by way of our run, cross or kick. We’re seeking to actually present the world what we’re about.”
