USA Selects Named For Final APC Game
USA Selects Named For Final APC Game
Scott Lawrence has picked his squad to face Argentina XV.
USA Selects head coach Scott Lawrence has named his lineup for Sunday's final Americas Pacific Challenge game.
Lawrence told FloRugby that he wanted to get as many players as possible some game time, and with the USA Selects 0-2 and not in contention to win the tournament (Samoa A plays Uruguay XV for that honor), he has made some changes.
Watch Round 3 of the Americas Pacific Challenge LIVE Sunday, Oct 14
9:00am CT: Tonga A v Canada A Watch Live
11:30am CT: Argentina XV v USA Selects Watch Live
2:00pm CT: Uruguay A v Samoa A Watch Live
Facing Argentina XV, the front row of Chance Wenglewski, Alex Maughan, and John Hayden reflects basically what Lawrence has called on all tournament. Matt Jensen and Nate Brakeley are the locks - Brakely has started every game in the second row.
The back row is Psalm Wooching, Vili Toluta'u, and Brendan Daly. The big news there is that Hanco Germishuys will not suit up, as Lawrence wants to see other players.
Nik Boyer and JP Eloff comprise the third different halfback combination of the APC. Mike Kruse gets his first start at center, partnering with Dylan Audsley. Ryan Matyas and Tim Maupin return on the wings, with captain Conor Kearns at fullback.
While those three had a tough time fielding kicks against Uruguay XV, the swirling wind bore much o the blame. Pat O'Toole, Kelepi Fifita, and Cameron Falcon are the front row replacements. Taylor Krumrei and Thomas Robles offer cover at lock and loose forward. Three backs replacements - Devereaux Ferris, Anthony Salaber, and Zach Young - are also on the bench.
Young was initially named to the APC squad, and then removed. However, he's been brought back in for this game.
Added Lawrence: "We just want to keep improving and play well."
Argentina XV has brought in some experience, including Rodrigo Bruni at flanker.
| USA Selects | Argentina XV | |||
| 1. Chance Wenglewski | 1 | Franco Alexis | Brarda | |
| 2. Alex Maughan | 2 | Axel | Zapata | |
| 3. John Hayden | 3 | Lucas | Favre | |
| 4. Nate Brakeley | 4 | Jeronimo | Ureta | |
| 5. Matt Jensen | 5 | Ignacio | Larrague | |
| 6. Psalm Wooching | 6 | Rodrigo | Bruni | |
| 7. Vili Toluta'u | 7 | Lautaro Ezequiel | Bavaro | |
| 8. Brendan Daly | 8 | Santiago | Portillo | |
| 9. Nick Boyer | 9 | Luca | Magnaso | |
| 10. JP Eloff | 10 | Joaquin | Diaz Bonilla | |
| 11. Ryan Matyas | 11 | Facundo | Cordero | |
| 12. Mike Kruse | 12 | Lucas | Mensa | |
| 13. Dylan Audsley | 13 | Agustin | Segura | |
| 14. Tim Maupin | 14 | Leopoldo Manuel | Herrera | |
| 15. Connor Kearns (C) | 15 | Santiago | Carreras | |
| 16. Pat O'Toole | 16 | Gaspar | Baldunciel | |
| 17. Kelepi Fifita | 17 | Nicolas | Solverya | |
| 18. Cam Falcon | 18 | Marco | Ciccioli | |
| 19. Taylor Krumrei | 19 | Francisco Jorge | Gorrissen | |
| 20. Thomas Robles | 20 | Santiago | Grondona | |
| 21. Devereaux Ferris | 21 | Gregorio | Del Prete | |
| 22. Anthony Salaber | 22 | Hugo Domingo | Miotti | |
| 23. Zach Young | 23 | Matias Lucas | Osadczuk |
Of the players sent to Montevideo, only Kapeli Pifeleti and Harry Bennett were not selected. Both were injured in early training sessions and that precluded them being selected.