GRR: National Teams
BRIGHTON, UK - The USA’s bid to win two or three pool games at the Rugby World Cup was dealt a massive blow Sunday as the Eagles were defeated by Samoa 25-16 in Brighton.
Man of the match Tim Nanai-Williams was brilliant as an attacking forced from fullback, while the Eagles kept getting into penalty trouble, giving up 11 penalties while Samoa was penalized just four times.
USA Head Coach Mike Tolkin has named his squad for the team's Rugby World Cup opener against Samoa.
Here's a look at the USA team (below) and also the matchiup between the two teams. Additional reporting from Chris Tipping and by Boudewijn de Jongh.
LONDON - Captain Chris Wyles, Mike Petri and Takudzwa Ngwenya will all make a third Rugby World Cup appearance for USA Sunday as the Eagles face Samoa in their opening game in Brighton.
The USA’s Rugby World Cup arrives very, very soon with the first match against Samoa kicking off at 7am ET, 4am PT on Sunday, Sept. 20.
For the two USA scrumhalves, it’s a very different opening weekend. Mike Petri is playing in his third World Cup, and is the established starer. Niku Kruger earned his first cap this summer, and is just getting started.
The USA’s Rugby World Cup opener against Samoa is what the Eagles’ tournament hinges on.
In the upcoming RuggaMatrix America podcast, co-host Bruce McLane says exactly that - it’s all about Samoa, and up-and-coming USA center Thretton Palamo knows it, too.