USA will kick off their Pacific Four Series with four Loughborough Lightning players in their starting line-up to face New Zealand this weekend.
Alev Kelter – who has scored seven tries in 14 games for Lightning this term from inside centre – earns her 34th Test cap from fullback, while Bulou Mataitoga is on the right wing for her 27th cap in Sacramento, California (kick-off: 12am UK time, Sunday 12 April).
The front row is two-thirds Lightning as Kathryn Treder makes her 31st international appearance at hooker, and tighthead prop Mae Sagapolu packs down for cap number 20.
USA Head Coach Jack Hanratty said: “It’s been a fast learning for all staff and athletes, but the one thing that has been there from day one is the willingness and openness to create an Eagles style of rugby.
“We want to explore the game, give the right to try things, and be adaptive and responsive to all elements in the game. We only know where we are when tested, and who better to be tested by than historically the most successful women’s rugby programme in the world?”
Following their clash with the Black Ferns, the USA Eagles then take on Australia (17 April) and finally Canada – who have Lightning Head Coach Nathan Smith amongst their staff during the tournament – on 24 April.
USA team to face New Zealand
15 Alev Kelter (Loughborough Lightning)
14 Bulou Mataitoga (Loughborough Lightning)
13 Emily Henrich
12 Katana Howard
11 Erica Coulibaly
10 Bella Vogel*
9 Cass Bargell
1 Hope Rogers
2 Kathryn Treder (Loughborough Lightning)
3 Mae Sagapolu (Loughborough Lightning)
4 Hallie Taufoou
5 Erica Jarrell Searcy (C)
6 Hann Humphreys*
7 Georgie Perris Redding
8 Freda Tafuna
16 Hope Cooper*
17 Reece Woods*
18. Alivia Leatherman
19. Emerson Allen
20 Ina Bailey
21 Abigail Paton*
22 Kristin Bitter
23 Telesi Uhatafe*
*USA debut