USA Eagles information
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Repechage – the final opportunity to make the World Cup Game 1
Nov 4, 2022
The women have ceased participation in the 2021 World Cup, but fortunately there is more international rugby on the horizon, with the Eagles taking on Kenya in the first of the round robin games to decides who goes to France 2023.
If all goes to expectations, the third game against Portugal will be the key game. But first the Eagles have to get by Kenya and Hong Kong, which may not be so easy.
Interestingly, the Eagles starting 15 are all MLR players, with the Free Jacks’ Mitch Wilson starting at full back.
Check out The Rugby Network for all the action on Sunday morning.
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October 7, 2022
The (one year delayed) 2021 World Cup kicks off this weekend in New Zealand and we are spoiled to have every game available to us on Peacock, with a selection of games repeated on CNBC.
Here is the listing of live and rebroadcast coverage for the women’s 2021 Rugby World Cup. Every match will be on Peacock live, and a selection of matches will be available on CNBC. All USA games will be on CNBC.
Six games are on tap for this weekend:
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | Platform |
| Fri., Oct. 7 | South Africa vs. France | 9:15-11:15 p.m. | Peacock |
| Fri., Oct. 7 | Fiji vs. England | 11:45 p.m.-1:45 a.m. | Peacock |
| Fri., Oct. 7 | Australia vs. New Zealand | 2:15-4:15 a.m. | Peacock |
| Sat., Oct. 8 | United States vs. Italy | 7:45-9:45 p.m. | Peacock |
| Sat., Oct. 8 | Japan vs. Canada | 10:15 p.m.-12:15 a.m. | Peacock |
| Sat., Oct. 8 | Wales vs. Scotland | 12:45-2:45 a.m. | Peacock |
| Sun., Oct. 9 | United States vs. Italy | 1-3 p.m. | CNBC* |
First up for the Eagles is Italy. The Italians are ranked one place higher in the world rankings. Italy had two warmup games against France and split the series against a tough French team. The Eagles had a short tour in preparation, including a solid win over Scotland and then a loss to a red-hot England side that many tip to take the trophy.
With a tough Canadian team waiting in the last pool game for the Eagles, this could be a make or break match for both the Eagles and Italy sides, in order to avoid England or New Zealand in the quarter finals.
There are four teams in each group, with the top two automatically going through, and two of the third place teams once the round-robin is complete.
Look for France, England, NZ, USA, Scotland and Canada to take wins on the first weekend.
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First reaction the the USA v All Blacks game. What can you say, really? 104 points conceded to the All Blacks. Gave up a try in the first minute in each half. But… never gave up, scored a couple of tries, for the first time ever. Had some good patches, started making the tackles they were falling off on in the first half, and competed until the end, despite conceding tries at a rapid clip. Still, 104 points is a disappointment, even with missing some first choice people.
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Lineups announced for the USA Eagles v New Zealand All Blacks Oct 23rd clash.
The USA Eagles team to face the New Zealand All Blacks has been named for this weekend’s clash at FedEx Field in Washington DC.
In a first, all players are affiliated with MLR clubs. RUNY boasts five starters in the forwards, while NOLA, San Diego Legion and Utah Warriors are well represented in the squad.
Meanwhile, the All Blacks have listed what is being called an experimental lineup:
Other than Sam Whitelock (127 appearances) and Richie Mo’unga (how does he only have 27 appearances?) and Damian McKenzie (37 appearances), the lineup features a number of single digit caps, while keeping a huge reservoir of experience on the bench to be called upon if necessary.
As for the US bench, a different approach is taken, with a total of just 34 appearances between them, compared to almost 400 for the visitors. Also, there are just two reserve backs on the bench for the US, #9 Michael Baska and #10 Mike Dabulas. It would be a shock if the US finished the game with players in their preferred positions. Flexibility will be essential for the squad as it seeks to rebound from the World Cup qualifier disappointment against Uruguay.
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The Eagles finished the European tour with a 20-14 loss against Fiji. It was a contest that local reviewers felt the US should have won:
http://www.thisisamericanrugby.com/2014/11/missed-chances-doom-eagles-in-fiji-loss.html
http://goffrugbyreport.com/national-teams/usa-should-have-beaten-fiji-didn’t
http://www.rugbytoday.com/elite/fiji-scalp-escapes-eagles-france
The IRB rankings are usually pretty accurate, and for the Eagles to come close to beating a team ranked three or four positions higher is pretty unusual. Fiji had lost a few straight and was probably there for the taking which makes the failure to take the win disappointing. On the other hand, how often do you feel like you should be beating a team ranked that much higher? That alone speaks to the strides the Eagles have made this fall and only bodes well for the future.
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The Eagles’ European adventure continues with a run out against Tonga, with Tonga winning 40-12. The Eagles competed well throughout, apart from a dismal spell early in the second half where three quick Tongan tries opened a big gap on the scoreboard between the sides. One try came from a scrum that was under severe pressure (stop me if you have heard that story before), the other two from USA turnovers that were quickly punished with long range tries.
The halftime score had Tonga leading 14-12 but the three tries quickly put the game out of sight for the (now) 12th ranked Tonga. The IRB rankings continue to show the USA in its correct position, able to defeat lower ranked oppoenents, but struggling somewhat against higher ranked teams. Up next for the Eagles is 13th ranked Fiji, which is coming off three consecutive losses. The game can be seen live on worldrugby.org on November 21st at 1PM EST.
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A very successful Eagles outing against Romania November 8th, winning 27-17. The Eagles avoided a possible let down after playing the high flying All Blacks in Chicago, especially with a squad depleted by injuries and the departure of personnel released only for the All Blacks clash.
The Eagles withstood the physical challenge isued by Romania, and were more incisive in the backs, repeatedly making telling breaks, including ones by returning Taku Ngwenya and also Folau Niua. The Eagles did not have everything easy, as the scrum was a struggle throughout, and a better kicking perdormance by Romania would have made it much closer.
The win jumps the Eagles into 16th place in the IRB rankings, exchanging places with Romania, who drop to 18th.
The path for the Eagles gets tougher, with Tonga (Nov 15th in England) and Fiji (Nov 21st in France). Tonga is ranked 13th, Fiji 12th, but if the Eagles continue to perform, it might be a very good road trip.
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Mike Tolkin, on a question from TIAR asking if the team left their hearts out on the field: “I know they did that and I’m proud, very proud, and we just told them so in the locker room, absolutely”.
Captain Todd Clever, on the experience: “….I never thought we would be able to fill Soldier Field, playing against the All Blacks, but I’ll take that memory of a lifetime. Things didn’t go our way, we were punished, but that memory and today’s a good day for USA rugby in moving rugby forward”.
Todd Clever, On a question from Matt McCarthy from Rugby Wrap-up, asking what it was like to be playing as a professional against the All Blacks and asking if it will spur professional rugby in the States: “I hope so…it depends on how we are going to follow up on it…..it’s up to the Union to put us together, to invest and know that is a good product. To play at the top level in front of stadiums, we need to have more time together, more than five sessions. But again I’m proud of the guys and I hope we can follow up this, hopefully it’s a regular thing and hopefully we can get more Tier 1 nations that want to come here”.
Mike Tolkin, on a question from the Associated Press, asking if the final score was a reflection on how far the USA has to go to become more competitive against the better teams in the world, and if so, would this process take decades, or years :” Today was a reflection, you had the best in the world playing against a group of guys who consist of some professionals, some amateurs and some who have played a handful of games this year….I think our guys have to dig deep to get where we were. I don’t see it being decades, maybe it’s wishful thinking but I see the athletes there and those who have been professionals have performed and you saw some of those performances out there, so hopefully it is far less than (decades)”.
Tolkin, on a question as to whether today’s match was helpful in the build up to the World Cup: “it’s only helpful if our guys respond to it. I think what you saw out there was ruthless efficiency, every mistake punished, not with anything fancy, simple good fundamental skills, and ruthless efficiency put the ball over the line. I think we have to learn to play that way and to face opponents in a manner like that and it will help us if we respond to that”.
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The USA Eagles lost to the World Champion New Zealand All Blacks by a score of 74-6 at Soldier Field in Chicago November 1st. The Eagles struggled throughout with the speed of the All Black game, despite competing hard physically and never giving up.
USA Eagles head coach Mike Tolkin commented after the game “I think what we saw out there was ruthless efficiency, every mistake was punished, not with anything fancy, just simple, good fundamental skills”.
A rousing rendition of the National Anthem from the voice of the Chicago Blackhawks, followed by a nice rendition of the haka, with the crowd proving to be a respectful audience.
The All Blacks kicked off, and quickly recaptured possession. The visitors slowly make yardage, making a few quick gaps which the defense closed quickly. The All Blacks knock on, but the ball is called back for a free kick. An alert All Black takes a quick tap and with numbers out wide, hooker Nathan Harris squeezes over for the games’ first five pointer in the corner. Five minutes gone, and the USA has touched the ball once but is five points down.
On the restart, USA retains possession but a poor kick through attempt turns it over. The All Blacks come pouring through, but commit another penalty which gives the US significant yardage with a lineout near the opposing 22. Several phases of US possession, punctuated by mini-breaks from Eric Fry, Mike Petri and Samu Manoa leads to New Zealand conceding a penalty which Adam Sidall chips over, reducing the deficit to 5-3.
Another solid period of USA recycling the ball followed, ending with a penalty for holding on too long. Some sublime handling from the All Blacks backs put Cory Jane in space, and he touched down in the corner with 18 minutes gone. Aaron Cruden added the conversion, 12-3 to the All Blacks.
A spectacular restart from US winger Blaine Scully, recapturing the kick to put the All Blacks under pressure and they again conceded a penalty, which Sidall chips over, 12-6.
A poor relief kick from Eagle outhalf Adam Sidall gave the All Blacks possession with room to move, and good support play allowed Patrick Tuipulotu to score near the posts. Cruden added the points, 19-6. The game was barely restarted when more handling skills allowed returning All Black Sonny Bill Williams to cruise over for another score, and with the conversion the score is suddenly 26-6, the All Blacks on a point per minute pace.
A dropped ball in the USA backline worked out positively, as Sidall made a break, followed up by Andrew Suniula, but the All Blacks turned the ball over and before you knew it, Charles Piutau was scoring another try. Half an hour gone, 31-6. A quick lineout and more sharp passing has Williams in for another score, now it is 38-6 and the Eagles have few answers for the questions being asked.
Thirty five minutes in and we have the first scrum. It goes down on the USA tight head side. The reset scrum has the ball out on the All Blacks side, and Julian Savea, just on the field, has a try on the weak side. 43-6. Finally the first half comes to a close, 43-6 the score.
Forty minutes left. Good thing or bad, if you are a USA Eagles fan?
Two minutes in to the second half and New Zealand is threatening again, but a forward pass slows them down. New Zealand keeps the pressure on and prop Joe Moody takes a quick pass off the lineout to open the second half scoring. Five minutes later the US misfires on a lineout and simple support play has another score, this time for Aaron Cruden. Cruden has apparently left the kicking boots at home, missing the conversion.
A cheer rings around the field, as legendary All Black Dan Carter makes his entrance. A good opportunity for the Eagles is negated by a scrum penalty. Minutes later a USA scrum is completely demolished by the All Blacks. Carter is instrumental in the All Black’s next try, making a small break and offloading to Israel Dagg. Carter, true to form, nails the sideline conversion. From the restart, the US is awarded a penalty and elects to go for an attacking lineout, but turns it over. The All Blacks work their way down the field, this time flanker Sam Cane gets over for the try. Carter again converts, 67-6 with twenty seven minutes gone.
The floodgates have closed somewhat, at least on the scoreboard. But there is no disputing that New Zealand is a side with vastly more experienced and polished rugby players. The benches are emptying but the physicality remains.
With New Zealand winning penalties inside the 22, the call repeatedly is to take the scrum. Eventually the line is breached again, Julian Savea taking the behind the back pass from Victor Vito as the Eagles are grasping at straws. Carter again converts and the not long afterwards the final whistle sounds, the score of 74-6 going into the books.
(Press conference updates to follow)
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The starting lineups have been announced for the All Blacks v USA Eagles game on Saturday. http://usarugby.org/mens-eagles-news/item/match-roster-announced-for-eagles-clash-with-all-blacks-at-soldier-field
Mike Tolkin’s side will take on a side with varied levels of experience. New Zealand’s front five has only a total of 42 caps, with Charlie Faumuina accounting for more than half of that total. The back row has lots of experience, with Kieran Read prominent. Aaron Cruden gets the nod at outhalf, a position widely discussed in the media recently. Sonny Bill Williams has his first start in two years in the center, while big names Cory Jane and Israel Dagg also start.
New Zealand’s starters have 322 caps between them, while the bench boasts a staggering 389. Keven Mealamu has 120 of these and Dan Carter might add to his total of 100 as he works his way back from injury.
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USA Eagles panel announced for the Fall internationals, including the highly anticipated match Nov 1st against the All Blacks. Press release below. Also below is a link to the recently announced New Zealand All Blacks squad.
http://usarugby.org/mens-eagles-news/item/eagles-selected-for-november-tour
http://www.allblacks.com/News/26206/all-blacks-squad-for-myrepublic-northern-tour
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Eagles defeat Canada 38-35 in Sacramento June 21st
http://www.nerugby.com/usa-beats-canada-wild-game-scaramento-june-21st-2014/
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Eagles fall to Japan 29-37 as Japan takes Pacific Nations Cup:
http://www.nerugby.com/usa-eagles-fall-japan-29-37/
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Eagles fall to Scotland in Houston: USA 6 Scotland 24
http://www.nerugby.com/usa-6-scotland-24-houston-june-7th-2014/
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Beacon Hill Legend Kevin Swords Inducted to US Rugby Hall Of Fame
http://www.nerugby.com/kevin-swords-inducted-2014-us-rugby-hall-fame/
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Confirmed! November 1, 2014. USA Rugby has some work to do, to make sure all the top players are available for the USA to ensure a top flight matchup. Anything less would be unfortunate, but the stakes are so high that it should happen.
http://usarugby.org/mens-eagles-news/item/usa-eagles-to-take-on-new-zealand-all-blacks-in-chicago
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All Blacks heading to the East Coast?
Multiple reports have the legendary New Zealand All Blacks playing the USA Eagles in the Fall of 2014, as part of the long term All Blacks preparations for the next World Cup.
East Coast venues seem logical, like Boston, New York, Philadelphia or Washington DC, but Chicago may have the inside track at the moment. Pivotal to the attractiveness of the fixture from a spectator viewpoint would be the USA having access to all its international stars. Since the game is expected to be outside the international testwindow, this may cause problems in that some top players might not be available for the Eagles. Problems at least for the USA.
The All Blacks are apparently trying to recreate an atmosphere of playing a “minnow” before playing one of the big guns, a situation they expect to face in the World Cup. Playing the USA before the European leg of their tour would provide such a simulation apparently. A physical battle against the Eagles, followed by a long flight and then take on England the following week would be some of the competition the All Blacks are looking for.
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USA Rugby and Men’s Eagles Head Coach Mike Tolkin have released the list of participants to attend the Domestic Camp, to be held at Life University Feb 20-23. The camp will conclude with a scrimmage against Life University.
The squad will meet again the second week in March, in preparation for the all-important World Cup qualifying series against Uruguay March 22nd and 29th.
Many of the names in the camp will be familiar, and it is nice to see players from Milwaukee and Houston (HARC) get some recognition. Seattle-OPSB, NYAC and the USA 7’s have the most players represented. Seattle’s Miles Craigwell, formerly of Brown University, continues to get looks on the national scene.
Interestingly, very few players from the Pacific Rugby Premiership are included. Assuming more of those PRP players were not considered because that competition is in full swing might make logical sense, but you would assume having all the top players together would be the preferred option.
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New Zealand Maoris 29 – USA Eagles 19 – Final score
There was a crackling atmosphere at the start of the game as the USA Eagles took on the New Zealand Maoris in PPL Park in Philadelphia. The Eagles got a rousing reception from the sold out crowd during the national anthem. Perhaps we could have done without the chants of USA, USA during the haka?
A couple of early penalties had the Maoris with a lineout at the Eagles 5m line early and after the initial lineout maul was repulsed, scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park nipped over for the first try of the day. Robbie Robinson converted for an 7-0 lead after five minutes.
A promising Eagle attack was foiled by a knock on with a big territorial gain beckoning, but USA regained possession and put New Zealand Z under pressure which resulted in the visitors conceding a penalty kick which fullback Adam Siddall converted to narrow the gap to 7-3.
A mini-break by Andrew Suniula came to naught as the ball was stolen, and Maori captain Tim Bateman showed a nice break of his own, before the Eagle defense caught up with him.
An unlucky turnover by Maori prop Ben Afeaki – he had been having a stormer of a game thus far – leads to more USA pressure, and another penalty opportunity for Siddall, who converts to narrow the gap to a point.
A huge opportunity for the USA as Cam Dolan snatched an interception and made a run for the corner, but was stopped five meters short. The supporting play was not in time, and New Zealand was awarded a relieving penalty.
Half an hour in, Nick Wallace slips through the defense, and in the ensuing scramble, a Maori second row was yellow carded for slowing the ball down. Intense pressure from the USA but holding on to the ball on the ground provided a relieving penalty to the defense.
Next up was Adam Siddall with a mini break, and although the defense held, the Maoris had a scrum infringement and Siddall slotted his third penalty to put the 9-7 USA lead. More pressure by the USA, but no more scoring as the first half ended.
The Canada game against the New Zealand Maori was pretty close until the last quarter when New Zealand turned up the pressure. Will it be the same today? The American players are playing with passion and intensity; can they keep this up and continue to minimize the New Zealand effectiveness of the ground game?
A tough start to the second half for the USA, as a couple of turnovers had the ball deep in the US half, and New Zealand center and captain Tim Bateman slipped an attempted tackle and dotted down by the posts to put the Maoris back in front. Robinson chipped over the easy conversion to put New Zealand ahead 14-9.
The Maoris are playing with a sense of urgency now, playing with a crispness not visible in the first half as all the game is currently being played in the US half. Toby L’Estrange is off the field, replaced by Zach Pangelinan, as the Maoris batter away, and Tim Bateman scores his second try to put New Zealand ahead 19-9.
A critical point in the game for the Eagles, and they respond, turning over the restart and battering away at the Maori line, but thundering defense limits the USA to a penalty kick, which Siddall again converts with about fifteen minutes left.
Again the Maoris start dominating territory, and Robinson hits another penalty to stretch the lead. But the USA hits back, Luke Hume very visible as the line beckoned, and eventually Cam Dolan scored the USA’s first try of the day. Siddall’s conversion brought the score within three points at 22-19 as the game entered the final ten minutes.
Thoughts of a major USA upset faded as Maori replacement Luke Katene finished off a period of Maori pressure, and the Robinson conversion put distance between the teams in the final minute. The Eagles managed another final attack, but there would be no more scoring and the New Zealand Maoris finished triumphant at 29-19.
Coach and players reaction to follow later….
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USA Eagles v New Zealand Maori All Blacks, 7PM, November 9, 2013 Starting Line-up:
USA Eagles New Zealand Maori All Blacks
1. Nick Wallace 1. Kane Hames
2. Phil Thiel 2. Ash Dixon
3. Shawn Pittman 3. Ben Afeaki
4. Scott LaValla 4. Jarrad Hoeata
5. Tai Tuisamoa 5. Joe Wheeler
6. Todd Clever(C) 6. Shane Christie
7. Peter Dahl 7. Luke Braid
8. Cameron Dolan 8. Blaid Thomson
9. Mike Petri 9. Jamison Gibson-Park
10. Toby L’Estrange 10. Ihaia West
11. Tim Maupin 11. Matt Proctor
12. Andrew Suniula 12. Tim Bateman (C)
13. Seamus Kelly 13. Charlie Ngatai
14. Luke Hume 14. Kurt Baker
15. Adam Siddal 15. Robbie Robinson
Reserves
16. Zach Fenoglio 16. Joe Royal
17. Titi Lamositele 17. Chris Eves
18. Olive Kilifi 18. Nick Barrett
19. Graham Harriman 19. Luke Katene
20. Kyle Sumsion 20. Eliott Dixon
21. Shaun Davies 21. Shris Smylie
22. Zach Pangelinan 22. Jackson Willison
23. Folau Niua 23. Zac Guildford
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USA Rugby Press release below on the Eagles selected for the 2013 November Tour. No New England representatives as Old Blue’s Trevor Cassidy did not make it and Boston’s Liam Og Murphy was ruled out through injury. NYAC’s Toby L’Estrange, Mike Petri and Blake Burdette are included, as is Adam Siddall of Old Blue. First game is against New Zealand Maoris Saturday November 9th at 7PM in Philadelphia.
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For Immediate Release October 28, 2013
BOULDER, Colo. – Men’s Eagles Head Coach Mike Tolkin has selected 33 players to be available for the three matches of the November 2013 Tour, beginning with the nearly-sold out match against the New Zealand Maori All Blacks at Philadelphia’s PPL Park Nov. 9.
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