Head Coach Gary Gold announces six roster changes from the previous test with Canada, as the USA Men’s XVs National Team faces Uruguay this Saturday, October 2 in the next stage of Rugby World Cup 2023 qualification. Kick off is set for 6:00 PM Mountain Time at Infinity Park in Glendale, CO. Tickets are available here with a live stream on florugby.com.

Roster Highlights

• Andrew Guerra makes his first test start at flanker
• Will Magie serves as flyhalf as AJ MacGinty could not travel due to injury
• Bryce Campbell will Captain the group 
• Mika Kruse (starter) and Luke Carty (reserve) are named after last appearing in the first qualifier against Canada in Newfoundland
• Greg Peterson and Matt Harmon (reserves) could play for the first time since the USA’s test with Ireland in July
• Moni Tonga’uiha (reserve) could earn his first cap
• Will Hooley (reserve) could make his first appearance with the national team since Rugby World Cup 2019

Comments from Head Coach Gary Gold

“While there is still excitement and enthusiasm from our win over Canada, we have a much different and hugely challenging task ahead with Uruguay.

“Everyone has seen what this team can do in the way they defeated Fiji at Rugby World Cup and even looking back to the last time we played them in 2018 for the ARC. This is a very talented, well-coached and experienced South American side and we have to bring that same physicality and energy that we had a few weeks ago in order to play to our strengths.  If we start to make little mistakes and move away from our playing DNA, we will put ourselves behind.

“It’s been a great week of training with a few more sessions to go and I am confident this group will put in the work necessary to be prepared come Saturday.”

The Series
The United States men and Uruguay have met 18 times with the Eagles leading a 14-1-3 record. Uruguay has considerably improved over the years, beating the Eagles 35-25 in 2019 and securing an upset of Fiji during Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan.

Uruguay arrived last week and has spent their time acclimating to the altitude and fall weather of Colorado. Saturday’s match is the first of a home and away series in which the winner on aggregate will secure their place at the World Cup in France alongside New Zealand, Italy, France and Africa I in Pool A. The loser will play for the Americas 2 position in a new round of matches to take place in 2022.

Uruguay hosts the finale in Montevideo to take place on October 9 at 3 PM Eastern with a live stream available on florugby.com in the United States.

Head to Head
Overall Record
USA leads 14-3 with one draw

Points
USA 578, Uruguay 311

Tries
USA 72, Uruguay 29

Highest score
USA 61 (61-13 on 3 March, 2018)

Last contest
USA 25 Uruguay 35 (February 2, 2019)

Canada Series
The United States returns after a momentous win over Canada where the Eagles bridged a 13-point deficit to win the aggregate 59-50 and claim the No. 1 seed for Rugby Americas North. Ruben De Haas made a stunning drop goal in the second half while Hanco Germishuys scored a hat trick and USA front rowers David Ainu’u, Kapeli Pifeleti and Joe Taufete’e delivered beautifully in set piece and defense.