International Rugby News
Tonga defeated the USA 33-19 Wednesday at BMO Field in Toronto to move to 2-1 in the Pacific Nations Cup action.
There are plenty of high school and youth rugby connections on the USA team slated to play Tonga this afternoon (ESPN3, kickoff 3:30pm ET from Toronto).
Well there’s no rest for the weary.
Several USA players get the day off tomorrow as Eagle Head Coach Mike Tolkin has shifted some players around for tomorrow’s Pacific Nations Cup clash with Tonga. The entire backline is changed from the previous game.
And there’s plenty to live up to, as the Eagles came away with a 23-18 victory after pushing Samoa in a 21-16 loss.
The invitations started going out Sunday night, a day after the Women’s Junior All American (WJAA) selection camp wrapped up in Greeley, Colo. Interim head coach Wil Snape and staff have the Can-Am series for which to prepare, and the team will reassemble on August 15 at Central Washington University for matches against Canada U20s on Aug. 19 and 22.
USA Men’s Head Coach Mike Tolkin surprised me a little with the number of changes he made for Wednesday’s game against Tonga, but the changes are necessary, as he has to see the players in action, and he has to rest some for the game after that.