Jason Damm will captain the USA as they get set to meet Japan September 6 at 6PM PT, 9PM ET at Heart Health Park in Sacramento, Calif.
Following a loss to Canada in Round One, the Eagles are up against it in the Pacific Nations Cup. The key job is to come out of the competition with a World Cup 2027 spot, and to do that they need to either beat Japan (a tall order given Japan's form) or, more realistically, beat Samoa in Denver in a week.
USA vs Japan is live on Paramount+ and tickets are still available for Northern California rugby fans at usa.rugby/tickets.
Head Coach Scott Lawrence said the team took a key break after their match with Canada, a 34-20 loss in Calgary.
“We took a few days away connecting with loved ones, to recharge our batteries and get back to work on the challenge ahead of us.”
Backrower Jason Damm steps into the Captain's role as Benjamin Bonasso sits out Sacramento. Paddy Ryan and Luke Carty also join camp for the first time this year, while Ruben de Haas returns to the starting scrumhalf position.
Japan hosted Canada during the bye week, defeating them 57-15 before boarding the overseas flight to Sacramento. To reach the PNC Semifinals, the USA will need a bonus point victory over Japan. A bonus-point win of any kind will leave the USA with, at worst, a 1-1 record and a -13 points difference, which would pip Canada's 1-1 -28.
“The return has reminded us of the roots of home, said Lawrence. "Our national mammal is the Buffalo; the Buffalo charges into storms that roll across our great nation. Energy and perseverance to charge are a choice, we want to show both to our home fans.”
Key for the USA will be not to give up soft tries on kicks, something that has been a bit of a sore spot this year. And also, the lineout is a major question after the Eagles were unable to get consistent possession off that aspect of set piece against Canada.
