Eagles, Springboks, and Selection Decisions
Well the debate is over; USA Head Coach Mike Tolkin has decided to essentially empty the bench in choosing his lineup to face South Africa.
It was always going to be a debate, in that the coach either had to put his team’s top 15 on the field and try to beat a team they’ve only come close to beating once, or rest those players so they will be fresh to play Japan four days later.
The Difference Between Can and Will - Eagles and the RWC
Every game this year, except one, has been a game of two halves for the USA.
Why Gutsy Call Had to Be Made
The Japanese national team has come in for plenty of much-deserved praise for their decision to go for the win against South Africa in their opening game of the Rugby World Cup.
Mistakes, Finishing Hurt Eagles
Of World Cup glory little things are made. The USA Men’s National Team had it all together to beat Samoa, and didn’t do so. Why? Let’s look:
Samoa had a good game plan, which combined physical play and working the pick-and-names, and then exploiting the USA defensive push with grubber kicks. The kicks worked very well, leading to 13 points, including two tries.
USA Lineup Full Profiles
USA Head Coach Mike Tolkin has named his squad for the team's Rugby World Cup opener against Samoa.
Here's a look at the USA team (below) and also the matchiup between the two teams. Additional reporting from Chris Tipping and by Boudewijn de Jongh.
