The final round of the Pool A group matches is taking place this weekend, with high tensions as Australia and the USA battle for sufficient points to gain that elusive final knockout round place.
The USA will be facing Samoa at York Community Stadium this Saturday, and will need to gain their first win of the tournament in order to be in with a chance of a quarterfinal place.
After two major losses, Samoa will not be appearing at the knockout rounds, but will be ready to give their all in their final appearance of their World Cup 2025 campaign.
The nations last faced each other in 2023, where the USA won 36 - 26 in a closely contested match.
The Sporting News runs through the latest team news and injury updates for both sides as the match draws nearer.
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Samoa vs. USA starting XV, team news.
Samoa will be gracing the World Cup field one last time, as their final group match of Pool A. After two significant losses against Australia and England, they will not be able to move forward to the knockout rounds next week.
However, they will be looking to give their all for their final game of their World Cup campaign, especially after they visibly kicked up a gear last match, coming within four metres of Australia’s tryline twice.
This is the first World Cup that Samoa, a primarily amateur and semi-professional side, has qualified for in 11 years, and the pride with which the players carry themselves on the pitch is nothing short of inspirational.
Harmony Vatau, who at just 21 years old scored Samoa’s first World Cup points last week with a penalty kick, is in the starting line up once again, as well as prop pair Denise Aiolupotea and Tori Iosefo, who have impressed with their physicality and strength throughout the tournament.
Keilamarita Pouri-Lane is reappearing in her centre position, with Karla Wright-Akeli changing from fullback to fly-half.
Samoa starting XV:
15 - Pati Ah Cheung, 14 - Col Aumau, 13 - Pouri-Lane, 12 - Vatau, 11 - Falaniko, 10 - Wright-Akeli, 9 - Afuie, 1 - Aiolupotea, 2 - Filimaua, 3 - Iosefo, 4 - Sio, 5 - Onesemo, 6 - Atonio, 7 - Pauaraisa, 8 - Fanene
Full Samoa squad:
Forwards: Denise Aiolupotea, Glory Aiono, Utuma Iama Atonio, Joanna Fanene Lolo, Avau Filimaua, Nina Foaese, Tori Iosefo, Madisen-Jade Jamie Iva, Lulu Leuta, Ana Mamea, Faith Nonutunu, Demielle Onesemo-Tuilaepa, Christabelle Onosemo-Tuilaepa, Sui Pauaraisa, Sinead Ryder, Ana-Lise Sio, Ti Tauasosi, JayJay Taylor
Backs: Ana Afuie, Lutia Col Aumua, Michelle Curry, Drena Falaniko, Linda Fiafia, Davina Lasini, Saelua Leaula, Fa’asua Makisi, Taytana Pati Ah-Cheung, Keilamarita Pouri-Lane, Melina Grace Salale, Faalua Tugaga, Harmony Vatau, Karla Wright-Akeli
Injured: Joana Fanene Lolo
Suspended: Melina Grace Salale
The USA will be feeling all of the emotions gearing up to this match, as their last chance to earn a spot in the World Cup quarterfinals.
It has been an up-and-down campaign for the Eagles so far, as they faced an opening loss to England, before knuckling down for their match against Australia to come away with a hard fought draw 31 - 31.
Their position will now depend on points difference after the final Pool A matches have taken place - meaning that they will be coming into the match with attacking on the mind.
The Eagle’s starting line-up is mostly unchanged from their last battle against Australia, with Emily Henrichmoving to right wing, and Sariah Ibarra taking up post as fullback.
Gabby Cantorina has also earnt her way back to the starting XV as inside centre - other than that, the USA’S tried and tested player combinations, like the veteran front row trio of Hope Rogers, Kathryn Treder and Keia Mae Sagapalu, all remain.
USA starting XV:
15 - Ibarra, 14 - Henrich, 13 - Maher, 12 - Cantorina, 11 - Coulibaly, 10 - Hawkins, 9 - Bargell, 1 - Rogers, 2 - Treder, 3 - Sagapolu, 4 - Taufoou, 5 - Jarrell-Searcy, 6 - Tafuna, 7 - Zachary (c), 8 - Johnson
Full USA squad
Forwards: Hope Rogers, Maya Learned, Charli Jacoby, Keia Mae Sagapolu, Catie Benson, Alivia Leatherman, Kathryn Treder, Paige Stathopoulos, Hope Cooper, Hallie Taufoou, Erica Jarrell-Searcy, Rachel Ehrecke, Emerson Allen, Tahlia Brody, Rachel Johnson, Freda Tafuna, Kate Zackary, Georgie Perris-Redding
Backs: Olivia Ortiz, Cassidy Bargell, McKenzie Hawkins, Kristin Bitter, Alev Kelter, Emily Henrich, Ilona Maher, Nana Fa’avesi, Gabby Cantorna, Erica Coulibaly, Cheta Emba, Bulou Mataitoga, Sariah Ibarra, Lotte Sharp
Injured: none
Suspended: none
Samoa vs USA score predictions
The USA will be coming out all guns blazing, trying to gain as many points as possible to give them their best shot at beating Australia on points difference and qualifying for the quarterfinals. However, Samoa will also be putting everything on the line for their final World Cup appearance.
Score Prediction: Samoa 7 - 26 USA
How to watch Samoa vs USA: Live stream, TV channel
All of the Women’s World Cup matches will be broadcast live on the BBC and on England Rugby’s YouTube. Samoa versus USA will take place on Saturday, September 6 at 13:30 GMT.