Cantorna to start for USA against Samoa
Exeter Chiefs Women’s centre Gabby Cantorna will make her first start of this year’s Rugby World Cup as USA head into their must-win game against Samoa.
Having missed half of the Pacific Four Series earlier this year, Cantorna has patiently waited for her opportunity in this tournament and was selected on the bench against Australia last weekend.
The 31-year-old will line up next to Ilona Maher for Saturday’s game in York (KO 13:30), replacing Emily Heinrich who has moved from inside centre to the right wing in place of Cheta Emba.
Cantorna said: “Last week was a big learning curve for us, and we’ve taken a lot from it as a group. This week is all about channelling that into a performance we can be proud of.
“I’m really excited to be starting again. It’s always an honour to pull on the jersey, and I want to make the most of every opportunity.
“Samoa are a hugely physical and talented side, and we know it’s a must-win game, but there’s a real buzz in camp about the challenge.
“Our focus is on sticking to our systems, starting strong, and staying composed under pressure. If we do that, the result will take care of itself.”
USA, including Hope Rogers at loosehead prop, will be playing to reach the quarter-final as if England win at the Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium on Saturday, it will be a straight shootout between USA and Australia for the final knockout spot.
The Wallaroos are currently five competition points ahead of USA, which means even if they lose, and if they get a bonus point in the form of losing by seven points or fewer, or they score four tries, then they cannot be caught by USA.
England have fielded a strong side led by No 8 Alex Matthews with winger Jess Breach poised to earn her 50th cap. Chiefs’ back-row Maddie Feaunati will start the game on the bench.
Red Roses head coach John Mitchell said: “We want to build on our opening matches of the tournament and finish the pool stage with a good performance against Australia.
“Brighton has been a great host for us this week. It’s a new venue for the Red Roses, one that has a history of World Cup magic. We’re excited to see thousands of our supporters come down to the south coast and get behind the girls.”
For the first of this weekend’s games at Sandy Park, Canada have selected three Exeter Chiefs Women for their last pool match against Scotland with inside centre Alex Tessier leading the way as captain and hooker Emily Tuttosi and prop DaLeaka Menin primed to start in the front row.
Tessier said: “I have been super excited for this special one (game) obviously. You could say it is my new home now and my home ground in the PWR season. It will definitely feel special and I know there will be a few people in the stands for us and, hopefully, for me a little bit. I cannot wait.”
Paige Ferries, Canada and Saracens Women’s winger, said: “England have done a really good job of hosting this World Cup and have put a lot of butts on seats. I have played a lot at Sandy Park against Exeter. There’s usually way too many Chiefs fans in general, but it’s always a really, really good crowd at Exeter!”
The double-header at Sandy Park will see Canada v Scotland kick-off at 12:00 with Wales v Fiji following on at 14:45. These two fixtures are expected to be played in front of a capacity crowd but there are tickets still available here.
The Red Roses game against the Wallaroos will be shown in bars around our stadium following the second game of our double header.