After two disappointing weeks, coach Gary Gold has named a starting roster chock-full of overseas pros to face Uruguay. Even with big-name stars like AJ MacGinty and Titi Lamositele having departed, a surprisingly strong international side remains. And that makes sense, as this test against Uruguay is critical both as a momentum changer and as Rugby World Cup preparation. All but six of 15 starters ply their trades overseas. That’s the same ratio as in USA Rugby’s premier Americas Rugby Championship match against Argentina XV. Let’s hope this results turns out a little better for the Eagles.
Mighty Joe & the Front Row
Joe Taufete’e remains with the Eagles. That means he’ll get another chance to break the all-time try record for a front row player. His return to fitness is a welcome sight for an Eagles side that needs his passion and his attacking instincts back in the tight five.
Packing down beside him will be Chance Wenglewski in the loose and Paul Mullen tight in. Both are interesting choices as much for themselves as for who they are playing ahead of in the reserves. Young David Ainuu wears #17 for this important test. That is highly suggestive that college student Wenglewski is ahead of the Toulouse prop on the depth chart. Likewise, Paul Mullen, who played behind Dino Waldren against Argentina XV, looks to have regained his starting role. At least with Titi Lamositele away, who may be fully transitioned to tight-head by the time the World Cup rolls around.
In Reserve
Ainuu and Waldren are not the only notable players lined up as impact subs. John Quill, who had been a locked on starter on the flank, gives way to Tevita Tameilau. The Glasgow Warrior has had a volatile career with the Eagles, but he’s more of an attacker and a physical presence than Quill, if potentially less fit.
Gannon Moore also returns to the Eagles after his raging performance against Glendale Raptors in MLR Round 5. He returns to a bench spot, with both Will Hooley and Blaine Scully available for selection as outside backs.
Kapeli Pifeleti will back up Mighty Joe as hooker. The young San Diego Legion forward is seeking his second cap.
In addition to the named reserves, there are some surprising absences. Scrum half Shaun Davies is not selected and will be resting this week, according to USA Rugby’s press release. Dylan Fawsitt’s absence is given no explanation, though it appeared he may have picked up an injury against Brazil.
A New Breed of Scrum Half
Ruben de Haas gets his first start of the ARC. With Davies resting, Nick Boyer will serve as #9 coverage. Both de Haas and Boyer are a different style of scrum half from the Eagles’ usual starter. They are young, big, and physical. They are less seasoned, but more powerful.
Unlike some of the other line up changes, I don’t think this reflects a change in Gary Gold’s thinking. I think Shaun Davies is resting, as they claim. Still, de Haas has shown periods of great promise. And the Eagles have been struggling this ARC with Davies behind the ruck. Gold seems to be going for a power line up this week, and if de Haas makes a good showing, he may advance his case for the #9 shirt in Japan.
Prediction
The Eagles have won four of the last five against Los Teros. And they’ve never been beaten by them at home. The last time the Uruguayans beat the Americans was in 2016, where they won a close battle in Montevideo. That is a marked difference from last ARC, when the Eagles went to Montevideo and won 61-19.
Still, Uruguay is pulling out all the stops for this one. Los Teros named nine Major League Rugby players to the team for camp this week. Having already beaten Canada, a win against the Eagles would set them up for a second place finish (though Brazil has a vote on that as well).
Nevertheless, this is a formidable USA side. The wealth of overseas professionals answering the call testifies to that. Playing at home, this should be another comfortable win. Of course, the same was true last week. But I’m backing the Eagles to start righting the ship from its recent wobbles on Saturday night.
USA by 12
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