With 120 days remaining, the IRB has announced the draw for the Women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens (June 28-30, Moscow).

The 16 teams were first placed into four bands, which were determined by the results from the 2011-12 IRB Women’s Sevens Challenge Cup and the first two rounds of the 2012-13 IRB Women’s Sevens World Series (WSWS).

Pool A (2009 RWC Sevens finish/current WSWS ranking)
Canada (6^th/7^th)
New Zealand (2^nd/1^st)
Netherlands (13^th/8^th)
Tunisia (n/a)

Pool B
Australia (1^st/2^nd)
South Africa (3^rd/4^th)
China (9^th/13^th)
Ireland (n/a)

Pool C
USA (3^rd/6^th)
Spain (7^th/8^th)
Brazil (10^th/10^th)
Fiji (n/a)

Pool D
England (5^th/3^rd)
Russia (11^th/4^th)
France (7^th/11^th)
Japan (13^th/11^th)

The Eagles have a favorable draw in Pool C. The USA will face their toughest game in Spain, against which the Eagles faced twice during 2012 (tying 12-12 at Amsterdam 7s and winning 8-5 in Hong Kong). Brazil is a well known opponent, especially of late, having played at the Houston 7s and Las Vegas Invitational. Brazil reigns over South America but struggles to break out of the second tier of international 7s. Fiji will be a unique challenge in that the USA has never played – or seen firsthand – the Pacific Islanders. But Fiji were good enough to beat fellow RWC 7s participants China and Japan at the Asia 7s qualifier, and shouldn't be underestimated.

Nonetheless, the USA have an excellent shot at the Cup quarterfinals, and will look to improve upon their Cup semifinal finish from 2009.