Some New Faces
The USA team is lacking about 40 players who might have been picked for this group. Many of those are not released by their professional clubs because this match is not a full international and not in the window of games during which a club must release players (Reg.9).
Some of the players not in the assembly are being kept in reserve. Some are injured.
The players not included are both very experienced and players who are looking for their first caps. But it all gives you an idea of what Head Coach Scott Lawrence sees as the list of about 65 players as his pool of 2027 Rugby World Cup players.
Two players assembling this week and next week are not really expected to play. Seattle Seawolves flyhalf David Coetzer is not eligible to play for the USA yet as he hasn't achieved the residency threshold yet. So he is in camp to get a feel for how everything is put together. He will reach eligibility in 2027.
Spencer Huntley, who is 20 and was just recently captain of the USA U20s, is likewise just getting a feel for senior Eagled camp. The USA program is not afraid to take a look at U20 players, Lawrence told GRR earlier this summer, but, he added, they aren't going to force it.
Huntley has time.
Who is the Opponent?
The Argentina XV is made up of high-level players who play domestically in Argentina. Almost no overseas pros are in the squad, and only one player, flanker Nicolás D’Amorim, has ever been capped by the Pumas.
Two others, wing/fullback Tomás Elizalde and center Facundo Pueyrredón have played for the Argentina 7s team. Like the USA, Argentina XV has brought in a U20 player, actually two, with center Bautista Lescano and flyhalf Federico Serpa both having played against Huntley and the USA U20s at the recent Junior World Championships.
Three forwards have had recent overseas pro experience in France's Pro D2 or in the United Rugby Championship.
Nine of the players have played for Argentina's U20 team. Twelve have played for Argentina XV before. All have played or are playing in the Super Rugby Americas competition. Of the 28 players on the squad, 25 are 26 years old or younger.
It's Worth Watching
This game, to be held at Inter Miami FC Stadium in Fort Lauderdale August 15, is definitely worth seeing. It's a chance to see how American Rugby stacks up against Argentina Rugby at a level just shy of full internationals.
It's a way for the Eagles to understand what they need to get better at. It might not be a test match, but it is a test of another kind.
"We're grateful to Argentina for partnering with us in a match that is important for the growth of both programs as we build toward Rugby World Cup 2027 and beyond," said Lawrence when the squad assembled. "While this is an opportunity for us to continue developing our squad and give players valuable international experience, we approach it with the same professionalism and competitive intent that we bring every time we represent the United States.
“Argentina has earned the respect of the rugby world through its passion, resilience, and consistent excellence. We also have many personal connections with Argentine coaches and players, which makes this occasion even more meaningful. We know the quality they will bring, and we're looking forward to a physical, challenging contest that will help both teams continue to grow."
The game will be streamed live on Paramount+, and you can see the game in-person by buying tickets here>>
