"Now or never for the Eagles. Defeat would see them crash out and take the most marketable rugby player on the planet with them. There are nine changes to the team that was swatted aside by England last Friday as head coach Sione Fukofuka has rolled the dice for this must-win clash. There's no room for sentiment as three-time Olympian Alev Kelter has been dropped."
"Elsewhere wingers Cheta Emba and Erica Coulibaly will have to step up and deal with Australia's lightening edges. There is plenty of pressure on Emily Henrich's shoulders but the 25-year-old showed last week she is more than capable of handling it. Strong in defence and full of power, she and Ilona Maher will provide plenty of questions for Australia's midfield. Expect straight running and big collisions."
The USA face a must-win match to avoid elimination, with head coach Sione Fukofuka making nine changes after a heavy defeat by England. Alev Kelter has been omitted, while wingers Cheta Emba and Erica Coulibaly step in to combat Australia's rapid edges. Emily Henrich and Ilona Maher will supply power and defensive solidity through the midfield, with expectations of direct running and big collisions. Australia rely on co-captains Emily Chancellor and Kaitlin Leaney in Palu's absence, and veteran second-row Michaela Leonard seeks her 40th cap. Australia emphasises try-line defence and collision dominance, aiming to execute pragmatic, physical rugby.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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