USA Women's 7s Head Coach Richie Walker has named a changed lineup for the Sydney Women's International 7s, which kicks off on Feb. 2.

Three players from the team that finished next-to-last in Dubai, Nicole Strasko, Kristine Sommer and, most notably, captain Laruen Doyle, are not going to Sydney. Kelly Griffin, speedsters Kristen Thomas, and debutante Sarah Buonopane join the squad.

The Eagles will play Russia, England, and Spain in a very tough group (the tournament is broadcast on The Rugby Channel).

Griffin was the USA team captain last season, but is now not in residence with the team. She is, instead, serving as Head Coach of the women's program at USA Rugby National Development Academy Santa Barbara Rugby Academy. Walker told USARugby.org that Griffin is still fit and working hard, so she should be ready.

Thomas returns from an injury suffered at the end of the 2015-16 Series. USA Rugby's announcement made no mention of why Doyle was left off the team, although she did come under some specific criticism from Goff Rugby Report - Column - Eagle Women 11th - Here's Why. 

More important than personnel changes the Eagles need to change how they play. They need to be more physical, move the ball more, play more as a team, and use their skills. They hav the ability to win their pool, but recent form shows they could also go 0-3 if things don't go right.

USA Women 7s Team for Sydney
1. Cheta Emba 
2. Kristen Thomas 
3. Kelly Griffin 
4. Ryan Carlyle 
5. Nicole Heavirland 
6. Alev Kelter 
7. Naya Tapper 
8. Kate Zackary 
9. Joanne Fa'avesi 
10. Kayla Canett 
11. Bulou Mataitoga 
12. Sarah Buonopane

Non-Traveling Reserves 
Lilly Durbin 
Hope Rogers

USA Schedile at Sydney
v. Russia - Thursday, Feb. 2 @ 8:52 p.m. ET 
v. England - Thursday, Feb. 2 @ 11:12 p.m. ET 
v. Spain - Friday, Feb. 3 @ 1:54 a.m. ET