USA, Canada Name Lineups For Qualifier

USA, Canada Name Lineups For Qualifier

USA and Canada name lineups for their July 1 matchup.

Jun 29, 2017 by Alex Goff
USA, Canada Name Lineups For Qualifier
Lineups have been named for the second of the two-game Rugby World Cup Qualifier series between the USA and Canada.

USA Head Coach John Mitchell, coaching in his final game before he takes another coaching job, has made five changes to the team that tied Canada last week. 

(RuggaMatrix America Podcast discusses last week's tie and suggested lineup changes)

Chris Baumann comes in for Paddy Ryan at prop, and Nate Brakeley replaces Ben Landry at second row. Todd Clever, fresh off throwing out the first pitch at the San Diego Padres game, and playing in his final USA game, will captain the Eagles from the #6 position. Tony Lamborn comes in at flanker for John Quill.

Ryan Matyas, who was sick last week, comes in at left wing in place of Matai Leuta, while Madison Hughes replaces Ben Cima at fullback. 

Many of the changes address issues the USA was struggling with last week in the 28-28 tie with Canada in Hamilton, ON. Baumann and Brakeley should shore up the defense around the rucks, while Matyas has shown off a high work rate and a nose for big plays at the wing. Lamborn has been playing well for the USA at flanker and seems to find the tryline with frequency. 

With Hughes, the Eagle shave a very elusive runner at the back, which could help neutralize Canada's kicking game.

The winner of this game will get the Americas 1 seed to the 2019 Rugby World Cup. The loser will still have a shot at Americas 2.

USA v Canada will kick off at the University of San Diego at 3pm Pacific Time, with the USA Women's National Team playing against the Women's Premier League All-Star team afterward.




USA Lineups

1. Tony Purpura
2. James Hilterbrand
3. Chris Baumann
4. Nate Brakeley
5. Nick Civetta
6. Todd Clever (C)
7. Tony Lamborn
8. Cam Dolan
9. Nate Augspurger
10. AJ MacGinty
11. Ryan Matyas
12. Marcel Brache
13. Bryce Campbell
14. Mike Te'o
15. Madison Hughes


Reserves
16. Joe Taufete'e
17. Ben Tarr
18. Dino Waldren
19. David Tameilau
20. John Quill
21. Andrew Durutalo
22. Shaun Davies
23. Will Magie



Canada Lineup 

1. Djustice Sears-Duru 
2. Ray Barkwill 
3. Jake Ilnicki 
4. Brett Beukeboom (C) 
5. Evan Olmstead 
6. Admir Cejvanovic 
7. Matt Heaton 
8. Tyler Ardron 
9. Gordon McRorie 
10. Shane O'Leary 
11. Taylor Paris 
12. Connor Braid 
13. DTH van der Merwe 
14. Andre Coe 
15. Ciaran Hearn


Reserves 
16. Benoit Piffero 
17. Anthony Luca 
18. Matt Tierney 
19. Kyle Baillie 
20. Aaron Carpenter 
21. Andrew Ferguson 
22. Nick Blevins 
23. Dan Moor