USA Head Coach Scott Lawrence has named his gameday 23 to face Canada Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park.
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There aren't very many changes to the backline that faced Romania and Scotland in July. Luke Carty does step in at flyhalf with AJ McGinty not in the squad as his professional team prepares for the upcoming season. Chris Mattina comes in on the bench as cover for flyhalf and fullback. Conner Mooneyham gets his second straight start after a solid showing against Scotland in DC.
Two players, Miami prop Sean McNulty and Houston prop Pono Davis, could get their first caps if they come in off the bench (which is almost a certainty). Saint Mary's College of California sees two alumni and one current student-athlete, in the 23 with Tavite Lopeti starting at outside center while Vili Helu and Dom Besag are on the bench.
The USA faces a Canada team that is already 0-1 in the Pacific Nations Cup Pool B after losing to Japan in Vancouver last week. A win for the USA would secure them a semifinal spot. The USA is 12-1-1 in their last 14 meetings with Canada, but the Canadians did win during the last year these two teams faced off, taking the first game of the two-match World Cup Qualifier in 2021.
Head Coach Scott Lawrence said, “The men have been fortunate enough to prepare in the USA 7s home base in Chula Vista. We’re grateful for the use of the wonderful facilities which have allowed the team to prepare without distraction.”
