KUMAGAYA, JPN. - Following a much-improved performance against France, the USA Men’s National Team XVs will face Argentina Weds, Oct 9 (KO 12:45 AM ET on NBCSN) in their third Pool C matchup of Rugby World Cup Japan 2019.
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MATCH-DAY 23
Head Coach Gary Gold has made eight changes from last week’s match against France.
Paul Lasike will start at center with Will Hooley shifting to the bench as both have recovered from injuries sustained against England. With Lasike in to start, Marcel Brache shifts from center to wing with Martin Iosefo moving to the reserves.
The backs will also see young Ruben de Haas start at scrumhalf in place of Shaun Davies, where the forwards will see Greg Peterson start at lock for Nick Civetta and Ben Landry claim a place on the bench. Nate Augspurger could also see his first taste of World Cup action as a reserve.
Alongside the changes comes a milestone to long-time No. 8 Cam Dolan who will earn his 50th test cap against Argentina. Dolan becomes the 11th Men’s National Team XVs player to cross the half-century mark after Captain Blaine Scully made his 50th test appearance against Canada in the Rugby World Cup warm-up.
The full match day 23 owns 570 cumulative test caps, the highest total which has featured in a match this World Cup.
STARTERS
| PLAYER NAME | POSITION | CLUB | CAPS |
| 1. Eric Fry | Prop | Vannes | 46 |
| 2. Joe Taufete'e | Hooker | Worcester Warriors | 25 |
| 3. Titi Lamositele | Prop | Saracens | 30 |
| 4. Nate Brakeley | Lock | Rugby United New York | 22 |
| 5. Greg Peterson | Lock | Newcastle Falcons | 28 |
| 6. Tony Lamborn | Flanker | Melbourne Rebels (AUS) Hawke's Bay Magpies (NZL) |
21 |
| 7. Hanco Germishuys | Flanker | Glendale Raptors | 19 |
| 8. Cam Dolan | No. 8 | NOLA Gold | 49 |
| 9. Ruben de Haas | Scrum half | Free State Cheetahs | 15 |
| 10. AJ MacGinty | Flyhalf | Sale Sharks | 26 |
| 11. Marcel Brache | Wing | Western Force | 21 |
| 12. Paul Lasike | Center | Harlequins | 17 |
| 13. Bryce Campbell | Center | London Irish | 30 |
| 14. Blaine Scully (C) | Wing | Unattached | 52 |
| 15. Mike Te'o | Fullback | San Diego Legion | 26 |
RESERVES
| PLAYER NAME | POSITION | CLUB | CAPS |
| 16. Dylan Fawsitt | Reserve | Rugby United New York | 14 |
| 17. Olive Kilifi | Reserve | Seattle Seawolves | 29 |
| 18. Paul Mullen | Reserve | Unattached | 16 |
| 19. Ben Landry | Reserve | Ealing Trailfinders | 23 |
| 20. Ben Pinkelman | Reserve | USA Sevens | 3 |
| 21. Nate Augspurger | Reserve | San Diego Legion | 24 |
| 22. Will Hooley | Reserve | Bedford Blues | 13 |
| 23. Martin Iosefo | Reserve | USA Sevens | 8 |
STAFF
General Manager | Dave Hodges
Head Coach | Gary Gold
Assistant Coach, Attack | Greg McWilliams
Assistant Coach, Set Piece | Shawn Pittman
Assistant Coach, Defense | Jaque Fourie
Strength & Conditioning Coach | Huw Bevan
Performance Analyst | Jimmy Harrison
Assistant S&C and Analyst | Tom Kindley
Team Doctor | Mark Sakr
Team Doctor | Sam Akhavan
Head Athletic Trainer | Kevin Ng
Athletic Trainer | Kristen Douhan
Massage Therapist | Daliah Hurwitz
Team Manager | Chris Hanson
Assistant Team Manager | Oscar Alvarez
LAST MATCH | FRA 33-9 USA
For majority of the game, the United States put France under pressure. Facing their counterparts for the first time in roughly 15 years, the Eagles emerged much more precise and clinical than they showed in their opening matchup against England.
The French committed countless penalties which allowed the U.S. to continuously make it into opposition territory and keep the scoreline within touching distance. By halftime, they were behind by only six points and in the 64th minute, another penalty kick by AJ MacGinty put the USA within only three points (12-9).
France ultimately broke open for another three converted tries to make it 33-9 but the final score was far from a reflection of the competitive nature of the game.
THE MATCHUP | USA VS ARGENTINA
The Men’s Eagles and Argentina have met eight times with Los Pumas owning all eight wins. Both last faced each other in 2003 where the Argentinians ran away with an 42-8 victory.
Through the Americas Rugby Championship, the U.S. side has faced Argentina’s secondary side — Argentina XV — a number of times, drawing twice in 2016 and 2017 with their first win coming in 2018. Argentina XV claimed the most recent win in Buenos Aires this year.
Los Pumas will enter the matchup on a short four-day turnaround after a 39-10 loss to England. The USA returns following six days of rest and preparation from their France game.
COMMENTS FROM HEAD COACH GARY GOLD
“I am proud of the guys for the way they performed against France, disappointed of course that we didn’t get the result but it was still a massive improvement from the week before.
“Now we just need to build on that performance and continue to remain sharp and collected in the areas we feel will put us in the best position to compete against Argentina.
“We’ve got another opportunity ahead on Wednesday and are looking forward to showing what we can do.”
RUGBY WORLD CUP POOL C UPDATE
England increase their lead atop the Pool C standings with their third bonus point win over Argentina. France sit close behind in second place with a decisive clash against the English up ahead to determine who will head into the Quarterfinals as the top seed.
| TEAM | PL | W | D | L | TF | PF | PA | PD | BP | POINTS |
| ENGLAND | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 119 | 20 | 99 | 3 | 15 |
| FRANCE | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 79 | 51 | 28 | 1 | 13 |
| ARGENTINA | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 59 | 74 | -15 | 2 | 6 |
| TONGA | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 36 | 86 | -50 | 1 | 1 |
| USA | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 16 | 78 | -62 | 0 | 0 |
WHERE TO WATCH
All USA matches in pool play are broadcast LIVE on NBCSN linear television network along with a collection of other games including the Rugby World Cup final. In addition to coverage on NBCSN, fans can also stream every game LIVE and on-demand with NBC Sports Gold’s rugby pass. To purchase rugby pass, click here. To find NBCSN in local listings, click here.
USA Schedule & Results
vs England | 45-7 (L)
vs France | 33-9 (L)
vs Argentina
October 9 | 12:45 AM ET
Kumagaya Rugby Stadium
WATCH | NBCSN + NBC Sports Gold
vs Tonga
October 13 | 1:45 AM ET
Hanazono Rugby Stadium
WATCH | NBCSN + NBC Sports Gold
VIEW FULL TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE HERE
PHOTO CREDIT | MIKE LEE/KLC FOTOS
