Wendy and The Girl braving the wind, rain and freezing temperatures to video tape the match.

The WPL welcomes its newest WPL team, the Glendale Raptors. D1 Club rugby welcomes the Minnesota Valkyries who will participate in the CR2 League.

Match Video

As always, if you appreciate the work we do here at YSC, consider supporting us with a donation!

Wendy Young

Editor of Your Scrumhalf Connection. Passionate Rugger since 2001.

Website - More Posts

Related posts:

1. WPL: Challenge Match 12/4/11 – Minnesota Valkyries vs Glendale Raptors / Match Details, Broadcast & Sybil’s Predictions UPDATE 12/5/11: Get the results and watch the archived video...
2. Watch the WPL Challenge Match! Minnesota Valkyries vs Glendale Raptors – 12/4/11 at 10am CST UPDATE 12/5/11: Get the results and watch the archived video...
3. WPL Match Report: Twin Cities Amazons @ New York, by Donna Ventura [VIDEO] View the complete 2011 WPL Schedule, Match Reports and Results here....

from Scrumqueens:

Photo Credit: Rob Munro

December 3 England Women v New Zealand, Esher RFC, 2.00pm UK , 8.00am CST, live at www.rfu.com/englandwomenlive

England women’s rugby Head Coach Gary Street says he has named his strongest possible side to play New Zealand in this weekend’s final test game.

England have already won the three test series after two fine wins and Street makes nine changes from the mid-week winning team. Katy McLean is set to win her 50th cap as captain.

The changes see Bristol’s Sophie Hemming returns to the starting line-up at tight-head prop while Sarah Hunter and vice-captain Marggie Alphonsi who is set to make her 60th appearance for England, return to the backrow.

18-year-old Alex Matthews (pictured),, who shone on Tuesday night in England’s second win at Esher, moves to blind-side flanker.

In the backs, Toya Mason, Kat Merchant and Emily Scarratt all return while Alice Richardson will play her first game of the series having recovered from injiry. Darlington Mowden Park Sharks fly-half Katy McLean will captain England on her 50th cap.

“This is the strongest available 22 I have and I am determined that we will finish this series as strong as possible,” said Street. “The players have been fantastic so far but they need to continue to improve which is something that has been our statement of intent since losing the Rugby World Cup final 14 months ago.

“I would also like to congratulate Katy and Maggie for reaching these significant milestones in their rugby careers. Reaching 50 and 60 caps for your country is an amazing achievement and hopefully for us it is a good omen too. The last time our captain, then Catherine Spencer, reached 50 caps, she led England to victory over New Zealand and while Maggie ties in her 60th cap I’m sure we’ll see another great performance from our team leaders.”

England have made history in defeating the world champions in back-to-back games after Saturday’s 10-0 victory and Tuesday’s dominant 21-7 win. Saturday also represented the first time the Black Ferns have ever been nilled.

“New Zealand are a hugely competitive rugby country and I have no doubt that they will be chomping at the bit to take a win in the last game of this series,” added Street. “This will be a massively physical match in every department.”

England: Emily Scarratt, Katherine Merchant, Rachael Burford, Alice Richardson, Kay Wilson, Katy McLean (C), La Toya Mason, Claire Purdy, Amy Turner, Sophie Hemming, Rebecca Essex, Tamara Taylor, Alexandra Matthews, Marggie Alphonsi, Sarah Hunter

Replacements: Victoria Fleetwood, Laura Keates, Rowena Burnfield, Marlie Packer, Natasha Hunt, Kimberley Oliver, Georgina Roberts

Wendy Young

Editor of Your Scrumhalf Connection. Passionate Rugger since 2001.

Website - More Posts

Related posts:

1. Second Match of International Test Series – England vs New Zealand   UPDATE 11/29: Twitter Match Report Don’t forget that the...
2. England Draw First Blood in International Three Test Series Don’t forget that the matches on November 29 and December...
3. Watch England Women take on New Zealand live on RFU.com from RFU.com: Rugby fans will be able to watch live...

UPDATE 12/5/11: Get the results and watch the archived video here.

For more details on the challenge match, go here.

Broadcast Sponsor
Rugby Athletic is a growing rugby company who prides itself on service, relationships, original design, custom rugby uniforms & team equipment, event promotion and marketing for teams. We consider ourselves original and un-matched with team opportunities, options and prices. RA, thanks for your continue support of YSC!

Good news! We will be able to *LIVE broadcast this event! You can view the match here or on the YSC Rugby Ustream channel. As always we are doing this for free and so we would highly support any donation you could give!

NOTE: There are a few potential “complications” that we wanted to let you know ahead of time….

• 70% chance of rain. If that happens we might not be able to broadcast, much less even get tape. Might cause it to be a delayed broadcast.
• Internet; or lack thereof. We will be using a Mifi Hotspot and if the pipes are good, we will broadcast, if not it will be delayed broadcast.
• Our Ustream channel has commercials. Don’t like the ads? We would urge you to consider making a donation so we can upgrade to the Pro version. Thanks!

For more details on the challenge match, go here.

Wendy Young

Editor of Your Scrumhalf Connection. Passionate Rugger since 2001.

Website - More Posts

Related posts:

1. WPL: Challenge Match 12/4/11 – Minnesota Valkyries vs Glendale Raptors / Match Details, Broadcast & Sybil’s Predictions UPDATE 12/5/11: Get the results and watch the archived video...
2. WPL Challenge Match Results and Match [VIDEO] Minnesota and Glendale descended down on Austin yesterday in perhaps...
3. WPL Match Report: Minnesota Valkyries vs San Diego Surfers by JL “Trie” Triemstra [VIDEO] View the complete 2011 WPL Schedule, Match Reports and Results here....

Match Video

NOTE: The video is only available from RFU.com for 3 days!

Stolen by England and that’s the final whistle. England take the 2nd test 21-7 over NZ.

10 minutes ago 

England Roster
15 Kay Wilson (Richmond)
14 Georgina Roberts (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)
13 Rachael Burford (Richmond)
12 Kimberley Oliver (Bristol)
11 Michaela Staniford (Wasps)
10 Katy McLean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks) (C)
9 Natasha Hunt (Lichfield)
1 Claire Purdy (Wasps) (VC)
2 Amy Turner (Richmond)
3 Laura Keates (Worcester)
4 Rebecca Essex(Richmond)
5 Tamara Taylor(Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)
6 Hannah Gallagher (Saracens)
7 Marlie Packer (Bristol)
8 Alexandra Matthews (Richmond)

Replacements:
16 Victoria Fleetwood (Lichfield)
17 Sophie Hemming (Bristol)
18 Rowena Burnfield (Richmond)
19 Margaret Alphonsi (Saracens)
20 La Toya Mason (Wasps)
21 Emily Scarratt (Lichfield)
22 Katherine Merchant (Worcester)

New Zealand Roster
1 Kathleen Wilton
2 Karina Penetito
3 Mel Bosman
4 Vita Robinson
5 Kelani Matapo
6 Lydia Crossman
7 Justine Lavea
8 Casey Robertson (C)
9 Kendra Cocksedge
10 Rebecca Mahoney
11 Renee Wickliffe
12 Amiria Rule
13 Shakira Baker
14 Katarina Whata
15 Kelly Brazier

Replacements
16 Stephanie TeOhaere-Fox
17 Muteremoana Aiatu
18 Eloise Blackwell
19 Aroha Savage
20 Emma Jensen
21 Teresa Te Tamaki
22 Hazel Tubic

Wendy Young

Editor of Your Scrumhalf Connection. Passionate Rugger since 2001.

Website - More Posts

Related posts:

1. Second Match of International Test Series – England vs New Zealand   UPDATE 11/29: Twitter Match Report Don’t forget that the...
2. Watch England Women take on New Zealand live on RFU.com from RFU.com: Rugby fans will be able to watch live...

UPDATE 11/29: Twitter Match Report

Don’t forget that the matches on November 29 and December 3 at Esher RFC will be available at to watch LIVE via www.rfu.com/englandwomenlive. 

November 29 England Women v New Zealand, Esher RFC, KO 7.00pm UK 1.00pm CST, live at www.rfu.com/englandwomenlive
December 3 England Women v New Zealand, Esher RFC, 2.00pm UK , 8.00am CST, live at www.rfu.com/englandwomenlive

View Round 2 Predictions from Scrumqueens here.

England have made 10 changes to their starting team to play New Zealand on Tuesday night from the side who were victorious at Twickenham at the weekend.

Head coach Gary Street is making full use of his 26-player squad for the short turnaround with just five players starting a second game in succession – as one of the changes is positional.

Tamara Taylor, Rebecca Essex, Katy McLean (pictured), Michaela Staniford and Kim Oliver all start for their second test in three days. Taylor and Essex swap spots in the second row.

There is a young feel about the starting line-up with Hannah Gallagher and Alexandra Matthews, who still qualify for England’s Under 20s squad, starting at flanker and Number 8 while youngster Kay Wilson gets the nod at 15.

Natasha Hunt, who shone off the bench at the weekend also starts.

England Roster
15 Kay Wilson (Richmond)
14 Georgina Roberts (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)
13 Rachael Burford (Richmond)
12 Kimberley Oliver (Bristol)
11 Michaela Staniford (Wasps)
10 Katy McLean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks) (C)
9 Natasha Hunt (Lichfield)
1 Claire Purdy (Wasps) (VC)
2 Amy Turner (Richmond)
3 Laura Keates (Worcester)
4 Rebecca Essex(Richmond)
5 Tamara Taylor(Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)
6 Hannah Gallagher (Saracens)
7 Marlie Packer (Bristol)
8 Alexandra Matthews (Richmond)

Replacements:
16 Victoria Fleetwood (Lichfield)
17 Sophie Hemming (Bristol)
18 Rowena Burnfield (Richmond)
19 Margaret Alphonsi (Saracens)
20 La Toya Mason (Wasps)
21 Emily Scarratt (Lichfield)
22 Katherine Merchant (Worcester)

New Zealand coach Grant Hansen has made five changes to his starting line-up to play England in the second test against England.

Influential hooker Fiao’o Faamausili is out of the tour having suffered and cruciate knee ligament injury while captain Victoria Grant is in a race against time to be fit for the third test having injured her ankle.

The changes to the starting tem see Karina Penetito replace Faamausili while Kelani Matapo, Lydia Crossman, Kendra Cocksedge and Katarina Whata all come into the starting team. Matapo, Crossman and Whata will be winning their first caps while Muteremoana Aiatu is another debutant who is on the bench.

Casey Robertson (pictured) is handed the captaincy duties.

New Zealand Roster
1 Kathleen Wilton
2 Karina Penetito
3 Mel Bosman
4 Vita Robinson
5 Kelani Matapo
6 Lydia Crossman
7 Justine Lavea
8 Casey Robertson (C)
9 Kendra Cocksedge
10 Rebecca Mahoney
11 Renee Wickliffe
12 Amiria Rule
13 Shakira Baker
14 Katarina Whata
15 Kelly Brazier

Replacements
16 Stephanie TeOhaere-Fox
17 Muteremoana Aiatu
18 Eloise Blackwell
19 Aroha Savage
20 Emma Jensen
21 Teresa Te Tamaki
22 Hazel Tubic

Don’t forget that the matches on November 29 and December 3 at Esher RFC will be available at to watch LIVE via www.rfu.com/englandwomenlive. 

November 29 England Women v New Zealand, Esher RFC, KO 7.00pm UK 1.00pm CST, live at www.rfu.com/englandwomenlive
December 3 England Women v New Zealand, Esher RFC, 2.00pm UK , 8.00am CST, live at www.rfu.com/englandwomenlive

Wendy Young

Editor of Your Scrumhalf Connection. Passionate Rugger since 2001.

Website - More Posts

Related posts:

1. England Draw First Blood in International Three Test Series Don’t forget that the matches on November 29 and December...
2. Watch England Women take on New Zealand live on RFU.com from RFU.com: Rugby fans will be able to watch live...
3. Street names his “strongest possible” squad for final test against New Zealand from Scrumqueens: December 3 England Women v New Zealand, Esher RFC, 2.00pm UK ,...

Don’t forget that the matches on November 29 and December 3 at Esher RFC will be available at to watch LIVE via www.rfu.com/englandwomenlive. 

November 29 England Women v New Zealand, Esher RFC, KO 7.00pm UK 1.00pm CST, live at www.rfu.com/englandwomenlive
December 3 England Women v New Zealand, Esher RFC, 2.00pm UK , 8.00am CST, live at www.rfu.com/englandwomenlive

from Scrumqueens:

Player of the match Emily Scarratt on the run at Twickenham

In the first of a three match test series between England and New Zealand, the home side came out on top at Twickenham, beating the reigning World Champions 10-0.

Similar to the game two years ago at this same venue, the hosts dominated a low-scoring game, and will now go into the second game at Esher on Tuesday night in confident mood. New Zealand will be pleased at their set-piece effort, showing well particularly in the scrum, but poor kicking and handling at times cost them their scoring chances and they will need to be much more clinical if they want to keep this series alive on Tuesday.

England had the best of the possession in the opening exchanges, but struggled to cross the gain line. Indeed the game had the feel of a season opener as neither side operated with precision; balls weren’t taken cleanly in the lineout, passes went forward, balls were knocked on and scrums were turned over.

However, captain Katy McLean kept England in the right half of the pitch making good ground kicking to touch as her side were awarded a number of penalties which they used to good effect. The first that was won inside New Zealand’s half came on 17 minutes and McLean opted for goal. She missed the shot but England were growing in confidence.

Awarded another penalty in the opposition’s half England this time went for touch. Rowena Burnfield took the ball securely from the line out throw and the home side were awarded another penalty from the resulting maul. Again England went for touch.

Burnfield was chosen as the target in the line out again and England picked and went around the fringe of the ruck until eventually they crossed the tryline, although the ball was held up. The Black Ferns got the better of the resulting 5m scrum and were able to clear their lines.

Uncharacteristic mistakes followed from New Zealand, who missed touch at a penalty, and following some aerial ping pong from both sides, then kicked the ball straight into touch offering England a lineout in a good position. From the quick ball, standout centre Emily Scarratt broke through the middle and off loaded to Maggie Alphonsi who sprinted diagonally across the pitch to score in the corner. McLean added the extras from out wide taking the score to 7-0.

Karina Penetito came on for hooker Fiao’o Faamausili with five minutes left of the first half, but New Zealand continued to have the advantage in the scrums. Whilst the Black Ferns had the majority of the territory in the closing minutes of the first half their handling let them down with too many passes failing to go to hand and England went into half time with a 7-0 advantage.

Just two minutes into the second half Alphonsi was penalised on the ten metre line and New Zealand choose to go for goal, but Rebecca Mahoney’s kick barely reached the 22.

England then lost Nollie Waterman to injury but McLean dropped a well struck goal to push England’s lead out to 10-0.

New Zealand came far more into the game at this point and looked far more threatening, particularly when a McLean clearance kick was picked up by Renee Wickliffe who made a great attack from nothing. It would have been a certain try, but for an excellent try saving tackle from Scarratt. The threat was relieved as England were awarded a penalty.

The pace accelerated in the second half as did the rate with which the personnel changed as the Black Ferns made four changes and England made five within the first twenty minutes – - both coaches using their chances to rotate their players ahead of test two in just three days time.

New Zealand’s Amanda Murphy, Victoria Grant, Emma Jensen and Eloise Blackwell were replaced by Aroha Savage, Hazel Tubi, Kendra Cocksedge and Rawina Everitt respectively.

England’s Kim Oliver, Victoria Fleetwood, La Toya Mason, Rochelle Clarke and Becky Essex were replaced by Kim Oliver, Amy Turner, Natasha Hunt, Laura Keates and Marlie Packer.

Whilst both teams attacked well during the second half England began to have more of the possession and territory with Michaela Staniford, Kay Wilson and Emily Scarratt all making decisive breaks. As the game went on the home side looked more and more in control, although they were unable to put enough phases together to score a second try.

New Zealand made further changes with Kathleen Wilton being replaced by Doris Taufateau and Rebecca Mahoney switching with Teresa Te Tamaki.

The best scoring chance for England came when they were awarded a penalty after a period of pressure, but Captain Katy McLean was unable to convert it. The home side made one last change with Alphonsi making way for young Alex Matthews with just two minutes left on the clock.

Play remained in the visitors half for the rest of the match but England wound down the game and the final score was 10-0.

It’s still all to play for as the two sides will regroup before another game in three days.

Wendy Young

Editor of Your Scrumhalf Connection. Passionate Rugger since 2001.

Website - More Posts

Related posts:

1. Second Match of International Test Series – England vs New Zealand   UPDATE 11/29: Twitter Match Report Don’t forget that the...
2. International Rugby Teams England & New Zealand will Compete in Three Game Series from Scrumqueens: The England v New Zealand game on November...
3. Street names his “strongest possible” squad for final test against New Zealand from Scrumqueens: December 3 England Women v New Zealand, Esher RFC, 2.00pm UK ,...

Photo: Getty Images

from RFU.com:

Rugby fans will be able to watch live web streaming of England Women’s matches against world champions New Zealand this autumn.

Through RFU.com England’s matches against the Black Ferns on November 29 and December 3 at Esher RFC will be available at www.rfu.com/englandwomenlive. Launched the week of November 28, users will be able to watch each match live and in full for up to three days after each game whilst highlights footage will also be available on RFU.com.

England’s opening match against New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 26 will be shown live on Sky Sports, and is a double header. Fans at the stadium will be able to watch Australia take on the Barbarians before the England Women run out against New Zealand.

With the autumn series representing the first time these two sides have met since the 2010 Rugby World Cup final old rivalries will definitely be renewed. For New Zealand they’ll be out to maintain their all-conquering record, while England will want to settle the score after their 13-10 defeat in the world cup final.

An impressive five camera feed with match commentary from some of the game’s leading commentators and former England stars, as well as post-match interviews, will provide rugby fans with broadcast quality viewing as the two best teams in global women’s rugby go head to head.

Rosie Williams, Managing Director of the RFUW, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer rugby fans the opportunity to watch England and New Zealand in action through RFU.com. With the first match against New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium also live on Sky Sports, rugby supporters from both sides of the world will be able to watch their teams in action in all three games in what is set to be the biggest women’s rugby series since the 2010 Rugby World Cup.”

England Women Autumn International Series

November 26 England Women v New Zealand, Twickenham Stadium, KO 5.00pm, live on Sky Sports HD 1 Red Button
November 29 England Women v New Zealand, Esher RFC, KO 7.00pm, live atwww.rfu.com/englandwomenlive
December 3 England Women v New Zealand, Esher RFC, 2.00pm, live atwww.rfu.com/englandwomenlive

Tickets for the game at Twickenham on November 26 are available to purchase online and group booking are available from the RFU by calling 0871 22 22 017, option 6. Prices range from £65 to £35. Junior tickets cost just £15.

Tickets for the international tests at Esher RFC on November 29 and December 3 will be available on the gate and cost £10 for adults and £5 for juniors. They can also be purchased in advance at www.esherrugby.com

Wendy Young

Editor of Your Scrumhalf Connection. Passionate Rugger since 2001.

Website - More Posts

Related posts:

1. Second Match of International Test Series – England vs New Zealand   UPDATE 11/29: Twitter Match Report Don’t forget that the...
2. International Rugby Teams England & New Zealand will Compete in Three Game Series from Scrumqueens: The England v New Zealand game on November...
3. Match Report: England vs New Zealand Take 2 via Twitter [VIDEO] Match Video NOTE: The video is only available from RFU.com...

UPDATE 12/5/11: Get the results and watch the archived video here.

Welcome to the first ever WPL Challenge Match! According to the WPL Promotion and Relegation Policies the #1 (Chicago NS) and #2 (Glendale Raptors) D1 teams can challenge the #7 (DC Furies) and #8 (Minnesota Valkyries) WPL teams if they desire. I confirmed with Chicago NS that they will not be challenging the #7 team and so the only challenge match this year is between the Glendale Raptors and the Minnesota Valkyries.

The Raptors just finished second at the USA Rugby Division 1 Club Championships, losing to Chicago NS 5-13. The Minnesota Valkyries placed eigth at the USA Rugby Women’s Premier League Championships, losing to the DC Furies in a heart breaker of a match 17-22.

The challenge match is to be held in a “warm area” and a few teams put in bids. The “warm area” that was chosen was Austin, TX. Come watch this epic battle unfold in Austin, TX at the Huns Pitch on Dec 4, 2011 at 10:00am. The Hosts are Huns Rugby and Austin Valkyries.

Facebook Invite

Broadcast
Good news! We will be able to *LIVE broadcast this event! You can view the match here or on the YSC Rugby Ustream channel. As always we are doing this for free and so we would highly support any donation you could give!

There are a few potential “complications” that we wanted to let you know ahead of time….

• 70% chance of rain. If that happens we might not be able to broadcast, much less even get tape. Might cause it to be a delayed broadcast.
• Internet; or lack thereof. We will be using a Mifi Hotspot and if the pipes are good, we will broadcast, if not it will be delayed broadcast.
• Our Ustream channel has commercials. Don’t like the ads? We would urge you to consider making a donation so we can upgrade to the Pro version. Thanks!

Broadcast Sponsor
Rugby Athletic is a growing rugby company who prides itself on service, relationships, original design, custom rugby uniforms & team equipment, event promotion and marketing for teams. We consider ourselves original and un-matched with team opportunities, options and prices. RA, thanks for your continue support of YSC!

Predictions by Sybil
My track record for predictions is getting a bit better…still not quite where I would like it to be <my job occupation: Accountant – “numbers are my life”> but I can only go up right? This weekend the Glendale Raptors will face off with the Minnesota Valkyries for a spot in the Women’s Premier League. Lets start with a dissection of the Minnesota Valkyries.

The Valkyries were knocked out of Tier B last year at the WPL Championships by Berkeley (57-27) and this year they competed in the Red Conference with Twin Cities Amazons, San Diego Surfers and New York. In League Play they were unable to win a match and were outscored by their opponents by 296 points. To continue that trend, the Valkyries were beat twice at this year’s Championships in a nail biter, back-and-forth match against Keystone (43-38) and on day 2 in another close match, they lost to the DC Furies (22-17). This hasn’t always been the Valkyries style, but it looks like due to some retired players and new blood the team has struggled this year.

The Glendale Raptors (birds of prey, not dinosaurs!) have been on the opposite end of the spectrum, winning all year long starting with an undefeated run in CR2 League Play. The CR2 includes Chicago NS (29-8), Chicago, Austin Valkyries (32-12), St. Louis Sabres (Sabres forfeit), Black Ice (99-0) and Detroit (71-12). Perhaps the magic of the Mile High Training Facility at the base of the Mount Olympus, ahem, I mean Glendale, CO is working in their favor? Of course you can’t count out the star power they have acquired this year, including Jillion Potter, named the Most Valuable Player even though Glendale lost at the D1 Championships.

Now to the actual predictions, this one is really tough as I know the Valkyries aren’t going to make it easy. Last year, ORSU voluntarily stepped down from the WPL and the Valkyries could have done the same, but they must want to continue to compete in the WPL. Some might say that after Glendale lost the D1 Championship to Chicago NS… why are they challenging? Are they really ready for the WPL or are they just striking while the iron is hot?

I believe that the Valkyries are better prepared for this challenge match mentally and with their two VERY close losses at Championships, they will be hungry for a win. Glendale will be prepared as well and blessed by the Gods, but they will falter. Not to mention, both teams have been training/playing since August…that is a long season only to be extended for another month to prepare for this challenge match.

Prediction: Minnesota Valkyries by one try for the win!

EDITOR NOTE: Sybil is not affiliated with the YSC Team, she is only a Guest Blogger who is bringing some new perspectives to the site. If you have any thoughts or concerns, we would urge you to comment below or please contact her at sybil@scrumhalfconnection.com. Thanks!

Wendy Young

Editor of Your Scrumhalf Connection. Passionate Rugger since 2001.

Website - More Posts

Related posts:

1. Watch the WPL Challenge Match! Minnesota Valkyries vs Glendale Raptors – 12/4/11 at 10am CST UPDATE 12/5/11: Get the results and watch the archived video...
2. WPL Challenge Match Results and Match [VIDEO] Minnesota and Glendale descended down on Austin yesterday in perhaps...
3. YSC Reporter: JL “Trie” Triemstra – Minnesota Valkyries vs Twin City Amazons Match Report & VIDEO [WPL] View the 2011 WPL Schedule and Results here. Match Video by...