GRR: National Teams
Op-Ed Column By Josh Williams with additional contributions by Jacob Campbell, and edited by Ashley Sullivan—The morning of Friday, November 18 hurt! I drove into the office late after spending the prior few hours yelling “STOP KICKING” at the TV.
An Opinion Column by Alex Goff—This is actually more of a preview; I will have more to say on the USA's failure to qualify for Rugby World Cup 2023 in a bit.
I didn't want to be rash, but I have to put a few thoughts on (virtual) paper.
Losing out on the 2023 Rugby World Cup perhaps hasn't sunk in on USA fans, but following the 16-16 tie with Portugal the players tried to offer some perspective.
"I think we all knew what we were going against," said USA prop David Ainu'u. "We knew it was going to be a tough battle. It was tough but the boys did a good job moving onto the next job. It is what it is."
The USA will not be playing in Rugby World Cup 2023.
The Eagles tied Portugal in Dubai in the Final Qualifier Tournament, and with Portugal having the better Points Difference in the series of games, it is the Portuguese Lobos who will go to France, not the USA.
USA Men's 15s Hed Coach Gary Gold has made a couple of changes for his lineup as the Eagles face Portugal Friday in Dubai for the final spot in Rugby World Cup 2023.
It's winner take all as both Portugal and the USA are 2-0 in the Final Qualifier Tournament.