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4h ago

Women’s Rugby World Cup: Canada Can Clinch as Wales Name New Captain, England Rotate, USA and Australia Revamp

Selection moves across leading teams reflect immediate quarter-final stakes in Saturday’s pool fixtures.

Rugby Union - Women's International - England v France - Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester, Britain - September 7, 2024 England's Zoe Aldcroft in action Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers/File Photo
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Overview

  • Canada made five changes for Wales with lock Tyson Beukeboom set for an 80th cap to tie the national appearance record, and a win in Salford would secure a quarter-final place.
  • Wales overhauled their XV after losing to Scotland as injured co-captains Alex Callender and Kate Williams miss out and Bethan Lewis captains for the first time, with Branwen Metcalfe in line for a debut off the bench.
  • England switched 13 starters for Samoa as part of planned rotation, with Marlie Packer returning to captain and Helena Rowland and Claudia Moloney-MacDonald fit to start.
  • Australia confirmed captain Siokapesi Palu remains sidelined by a foot injury for the USA match, made four changes, and cleared winger Desiree Miller to start after a head knock.
  • USA head coach Sione Fukofuka dropped Alev Kelter, shifted captain Kate Zackary to blindside, and reshaped the backline in a bid to keep quarter-final hopes alive against the Wallaroos.