SAO JOSE DOS CAMPOS, BRA. — After winning three consecutive matches at home, with a collection of newly capped players, the Men's Eagles announce their match-day 23 to face Brazil in the fourth week of the Americas Rugby Championship. Currently in first place with 14 points in the standings, the squad will have a significant focus on keeping their perfect 3-0 record intact, avoiding a repeat of the 2016 tournament where they fell to Brazil after going undefeated at home. Kickoff is set for 3:40 PM ET this Saturday (Feb. 24) with the match featured LIVE on The Rugby Channel.
"The boys have done an excellent job opening the tournament at home but we need to remain focused and continue to improve in critical areas,' said Head Coach Gary Gold, indicating how the squad has approached the last week of training. "Our next two matches will be a challenge as both Brazil and Uruguay will need us to put an extra emphasis on the set piece.'
Two years ago, in the inaugural Americas Rugby Championship (at the senior level), the Men's Eagles similarly began their campaign spotless, securing three consecutive home wins before falling 1 point short of a fourth in their first road match with Brazil. Last year, however, the United States redeemed themselves in spectacular fashion, showcasing an offensive machine that scored 8 tries in a 51-3 win over the Brazilians.
Despite the historic ups and downs between the U.S. and Brazil, the Eagles have a skilled 15 in the starting lineup, including new and returning players who have equally helped shaped the outcome of each win.
"Proud of the way our new guys stood out last week and how the older players have stepped up to guide them along the way,' said Head Coach Gary Gold. "This is a dynamic we will strive build on as we continue to defend the tournament title as a collective.'
Of the 91 points scored thus far in the 2018 ARC, new players have accounted for nearly a third (27), with center Dylan Audsley scoring two tries against Chile alone. Newcomer Dylan Fawsitt, who was capped as a reserve in Fullerton last Saturday, earns a place in the starting XV at hooker for James Hilterbrand, as well.
Of the veterans, Captain Nate Augspurger will start at wing for Ryan Matyas — who returns to his duty with San Diego Legion — bringing in Shaun Davies to cover at scum half. Prop Chris Baumann and flanker Hanco Germishuys suit up for Dino Waldren and Tony Lamborn, respectively, while Nick Civetta comes back from bereavement leave at lock.
USA Men's Eagles Starters | USA vs Brazil | 2018 Americas Rugby Championship
| Player | Club | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Huluholo Moungaloa | Life West Gladiators | Prop |
| 2. Dylan Fawsitt | Old Blue of New York | Hooker |
| 3. Chris Baumann | Leicester Tigers (ENG) | Prop |
| 4. Ben Landry | Glendale Raptors | Lock |
| 5. Nick Civetta | Newcastle Falcons (ENG) | Lock |
| 6. Psalm Wooching | Seattle Saracens | Flanker |
| 7. Hanco Germishuys | Austin Elite | Flanker |
| 8. Cam Dolan | San Diego Legion | Number Eight |
| 9. Shaun Davies | Glendale Raptors | Scrum Half |
| 10. Will Magie | Glendale Raptors | Fly Half |
| 11. Josh Whippy | Utah Warriors | Wing |
| 12. Bryce Campbell | Glendale Raptors | Center |
| 13. Dylan Audsley | San Diego Legion | Center |
| 14. Nate Augspurger (C) | San Diego Legion | Wing |
| 15. Mike Te'o | San Diego Legion | Fullback |
USA Men's Eagles Reserves | USA vs. Brazil | 2018 Americas Rugby Championship
| Player | Club | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 16. Peter Malcolm | Austin Elite | Reserve |
| 17. Anthony Purpura | San Diego Legion | Reserve |
| 18. Angus Maclellan | Utah Warriors | Reserve |
| 19. Matt Jensen | Utah Warriors | Reserve |
| 20. Tony Lamborn | Hawkes Bay (NZL) | Reserve |
| 21. Ruben de Haas | Free State Cheetahs Academy (RSA) | Reserve |
| 22. Ben Cima | San Diego Legion | Reserve |
| 23. Paul Lasike | Utah Warriors | Reserve |
USA MEN'S EAGLES STAFF | 2018 AMERICAS RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
Gary Gold: Head Coach
Greg McWilliams: Assistant Coach - Backs & Attack
Scott Lawrence: Assistant Coach - Defense
Shawn Pittman: Assistant Coach - Set Piece
Chris Hanson: Team Manager
Dave Hodges: Men's Eagles General Manager
Jimmy Harrison: Performance Analyst
Kevin Ng: Head ATC
Dr. Jeff Mjaanes: Team Doctor (Feb. 18 - Mar. 4)
USA MEN'S EAGLES SCHEDULE | 2018 AMERICAS RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
vs Argentina XV - 17-10 (W)
vs Canada - 29-10 (W)
vs Chile - 45-13 (W)
vs Brazil | Sat, Feb. 24 - 3:40 PM ET
Martins Pereira Stadium, Sao Jose Dos Campos, Brazil
vs Uruguay | Sat, Mar. 3 - 1:40 PM ET
Estadio Charrua, Montevideo, Uruguay
Within the past three weeks, the United States has scored more points each match than in the one before, proving that while improvements can always be made, the team is capable of adapting to dynamic changes in both squad and opposition.
The match will be broadcast LIVE on The Rugby Channel with updates available by following @USARugby on Twitter. A replay of USA vs Brazil will also be broadcast on ESPN 2 at 7 AM ET the next morning (Sun, Feb. 25).
