GRR: National Teams
This weekend we finish off the early summer test matches for the USA; they reconvene for August and the Pacific Nations Cup which doubles as 2027 Rugby World Cup Qualifiers.
So, as we look back at the 36-17 defeat of Belgium and the 31-20 loss to Spain, and ahead to this weekend's clash with England, there is always the specter of the Qualifiers to come.
It is said sometimes that it's not how you start, but how you finish; sometimes, it's both.
The USA Men's National team started poorly and ended meekly in a test match that they certainly had the ability to win, falling instead to Spain 31-20 late Saturday night in Charlotte.
The RAN U19 Championships comes back to the USA after the USA U19s defeated Jamaica 48-8 in Saturday’s final in Querétaro, Mexico.
Jamaica became the first team to score a try against the U19 Eagles, mauling over late in the first half.
It was exactly what they needed and also exactly what they didn't want when it comes to two USA age-grade games South of the Equator Saturday.
While we will report opn the RAN U19 final later today, the tour wrapup games for the USA U23 men and the USA U18 boys were in direct contrast to each other.
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.