DUBAI, UAE (November 10, 2022) – Fresh off a dominant 68-14 win over Kenya in the first round of the Rugby World Cup 2023 Final Qualification Tournament, the USA Men’s Eagles are back on the training pitch with a focus on their next fixture against Hong Kong.
While match one was a controlling performance from the USA, they will look to fine tune a few areas of their game as Hong Kong are out for redemption following their first-round loss to Portugal. The United States currently sit at the top of the tournament standings after a bonus point win and greater points differential, a gap the squad will look to expand this weekend from Dubai. The USA kicks off against Hong Kong, Saturday November 12 at 9:30 AM ET live on The Rugby Network.
The USA forward pack have shown to be a highlight in the early going as the first four tries of last week’s game came from the forwards. Hooker Dylan Fawsitt tallied one of two hat tricks while Jamason Fa’anana-Schultz added a score as well. Despite the high score line, efficiency in the red zone was a bit rusty early for the USA, along with discipline, so the group will look to sure up early-game jitters and put out a more complete performance this Saturday. Similar to Kenya, Hong Kong was also on the receiving end of an offensive onslaught, giving up 42 unanswered points to Portugal, even after scoring the game’s first try. That try from Hooker Alexander Post, like the USA, took advantage of the line out and rolling maul.
Line out time for the Eagles was a strength in match one, an aspect the team will need to recapitulate this Saturday as fans can expect another exciting face off between the forward packs. Remaining disciplined will also be important, as Hong Kong were able to force a number of penalties on Portugal while in their opposing 22. Ultimately, the USA will target another high offensive performance. Given the round-robin and points format of the Final Qualifiers, bonus point victories are of significant value here in Dubai. Head Coach Gary Gold’s match two roster will see five players move from the reserve list to the starting fifteen, as Chance Wenglewski is added to the overall 23. Starting flyhalf AJ MacGinty will slot back in as Captain in his 34th appearance for the USA.
“The first match against Kenya was a good marker for us, I think we came out of the gate a little scattered for the first 20 odd minutes, but I’m happy with the composure we built going forward from there. We’ve gone through our analysis this week, both on Hong Kong but more so on our own systems and training sessions. Improving discipline and keeping the offensive pressure against Hong Kong will be key as we progress and hope to keep ourselves at the top of the points table.
It's been a great training week so far, coming off a win is always a positive and with five new guys joining the USA Eagle ranks, team culture and pride in the squad is excitingly high. We still have quite a bit of work to do before we can rest assured, however myself, the coaches and the team are pleased with where we stand as a group, both on and off the pitch.”
| FIRST NAME | CLUB | CAPS |
|---|---|---|
| 1. David Ainu'u | Toulouse (FRA) | 18 |
| 2. Kapeli Pifeleti | Saracens (ENG) | 8 |
| 3. Paul Mullen | Utah Warriors | 28 |
| 4. Greg Peterson | Newcastle Falcons (ENG) | 37 |
| 5. Cam Dolan | NOLA Gold | 61 |
| 6. Viliami Helu | Rugby ATL | 1 |
| 7. Cory Daniel | Old Glory DC | 1 |
| 8. Jamason Fa'anana-Schultz | Old Glory DC | 7 |
| 9. Ruben De Haas | Saracens (ENG) | 26 |
| 10. AJ MacGinty (C) | Bristol Bears | 33 |
| 11. Nate Augspurger | San Diego Legion | 34 |
| 12. Paul Lasike | Utah Warriors | 20 |
| 13. Marcel Brache | San Diego Legion | 31 |
| 14. Christian Dyer | Houston SaberCats | 9 |
| 15. Mitch Wilson | New England Free Jacks | 1 |
| 16. Dylan Fawsitt | Rugby New York | 21 |
| 17. Chance Wenglewski | Rugby New York | 10 |
| 18. Nate Sylvia | San Diego Legion | 1 |
| 19. CC Mahoni | Houston SaberCats | 8 |
| 20. Tesimoni Tonga'uiha | NOLA Gold | 4 |
| 21. Ryan Rees | Rugby ATL | 1 |
| 22. Luke Carty | MLR | 9 |
| 23. Bryce Campbell | MLR | 42 |
Head Coach | Gary Gold
Assistant Coach | Mario Ledesma
Assistant Coach | Steve Brett
Assistant Coach | John Plumtree
Head Strength & Conditioning Coach | Huw Bevan
Strength & Conditioning Coach | Calvin Morris
Analyst | Jimmy Harrison
Head Physiotherapist | Kristen Douhan
Physiotherapist | Ron Klingensmith
Sports Massage Therapist | Daliah Hurwitz
Team Doctor | Marc Kowalsky
Team Manager | Oscar Alvarez
Sunday, Nov 6 | (W) 68-14
Live replay on The Rugby Network
Saturday, Nov 12 | 9:30 AM ET
Live on The Rugby Network
Friday, Nov 18 | 10:30 AM ET
Live on The Rugby Network
