USA Military Team Gameday 23 Selected to Face British Army
USA Military Team Gameday 23 Selected to Face British Army
The USA Military Team touring the UK has named its starting lineup to face the British Army Friday evening at Esher RFC.
The game will be shown live on The Rugby Network.
Head Coach Allen Clarke and his staff have selected an experienced side to take on a very dynamic British Army squad.
Here is the list (college team and latest club listed):
1. Dan Gabrielli, Temple & Shippensburg, BTS Bayreuth
2. KoiKoi Nelligan, Army West Point, Old Glory DC
3. Mickey Bressler, Navy, Rocky Gorge
4. Jackson Bristol, Air Force, Koza Rugby Cllub
5. John Cullen (C), Utah, Chicago Hounds
6. Collin Grosse, Army West Point, Old Glory DC
7. Dacoda Worth, Indiana, Old Glory DC
8. Wilisoni Vasukilakeba, Houston Sabercats
9. Shane Palmer, UConn, Colorado Springs
10. Cody Melphy (VC), Life U., USA 7s
11. Mikey Melendez, All-Army 7s
12. Mattie Toga, Denver Barbarians / Experts PR7s
13. Niko Spino, Auburn
14. Colin Argue, Navy, All-Navy 7s
15. Logan Legg, TCU, Austin Blacks
Reserves
16. Larry Williams, Army West Point
17. Thomas Reyes, San Diego Legion / Lake County Coyotes
18. Brian Bidder, U. Miami, Connecticut Old Grey
19. Drew Dawson, Okaloosa Islanders
20. George Smith, Letchworth Garden City
21. Sili Masina, Jr., All-Army / Alaska Misfits
22. Craig Ogden, Seattle RFC
23. J'son Townes, NOVA
Dan Gabrielli actually trained at and played rugby for @RMASandhurst so playing for the USA Military team here is a nice return to a place that holds good memories. @armyrugbyunion @RAFRugbyUnion @MediaRugby @ShipRugby @TempleU_Rugby pic.twitter.com/EDZPnOyZzE
— Alex Goff (@goffrugbyreport) November 6, 2024
Clarke said this team will first and foremost need to play unified and stay in the fight as long as possible. He has gone with a 6-2 split on the bench, with six forwards, because he expects a physical battle.
"Who's jumped out at me, Mattie Tago in the center. Niko, who we didn't run on Day One as part of the starting 15 and then we ran on the wing and will now start at center," said Clarke. "Young Logan, as well. I just liked the way he moved. If we can get the ball into our more athletic backs and they can just back themselves to have a go, we can cause them some problems. I am looking forward to, as I say, throwing [figurative] punches and having a go."
@Auburn_Rugby own Niko Spino will start vs @armyrugbyunion . But he's more excited about the experience on tour with the USA Military team. @SCRCrugby pic.twitter.com/hxAXh1RfX2
— Alex Goff (@goffrugbyreport) November 6, 2024
