USA U23s Expect Sternest Test at Stellenbosch
USA U23s Expect Sternest Test at Stellenbosch
The final test for the USA U23s is expected to be the toughest as the tourists face off with the Maties of Stellenbosch University Saturday at historical Danie Craven Stadium.
For Head Coach Agustin Cavalieri, this is undoubtedly going to be a more difficult game.
“Maties will be a very different match from the previous ones,” Cavalieri told GRR. “They’re a much more mature and physical team than either Western Province or Boland.”
The U23s beat the Western Province UXI Invitational side 41-12 and Boland 57-26.
After those two games the U23s have focused heavily on defense, especially on first phase and maintaining connections after they kick.
“Offensively we’re trying to be as simple and direct as possible given the weather conditions we’re facing both in training and in matches.”
It is, of course, winter in South Africa, and the conditions have been wet and muddy.
“We’re very pleased with the players’ ability to receive so much information in a short amount of time,” added Cavalieri. “I think our defense and our forward play are our strong points.”
That was certainly evident against Boland, where the USA u23s’ maul was especially effective. Overall the tourists have scored six tries using the maul.
In addition, “we’re dominating both offensive and defensive lineouts as well as offensive and defensive scrums,” said Cavalieri. “Our physicality is making the difference.”
Building toward that, the coaching staff worked hard to develop their team culture and mission. The players embraced that, said Cavalieri.
USA U23s and Maties will face off at 7AM ET. There is no live stream but the coaches’ video will be posted on USA Rugby’s YouTube Channel after the match.
The lineup is above and the game footage from Boland is below.