2007, flight of the Eagles?
With only two victories from four Rugby World Cups, America is looking for their first win against a major rugby playing nation.
In spite of appearances, America has left its mark in Rugby history. In 1920 and 1924 the Americans took the last two Olympic titles - the first two being awarded in 1900 and 1908 - before Rugby was withdrawn from the ‘games’. However, the Americans have not always been present in Rugby World Cup history. They missed out on the 1995 tournament in South Africa and have only managed to win twice in four other competitions. On both occasions the Americans beat the same opponent, Japan. (in 1987 and 2003).
In the 1970s American Rugby began working its way out of the oblivion it slipped into after the sport was withdrawn from the Olympics and ‘Made in the USA’ Rugby is slowly but surely making progress. In 2003, the Eagles gained supremacy on the North American continent after beating their Canadian neighbours, and, after beating Japan, they came close to adding a win against Fiji to their list of successes (18-19). The USA were trounced by the vengeful Canadians during the World Cup qualifiers (17 - 60) but the Eagles still managed to qualify for Rugby World Cup 2007 as they defeated Uruguay. However, with England, South Africa, Samoa and possibly Tonga (repechage 2) in their group, The USA will need to play exceptionally well to get their third World Cup victory. Watch this space...
Colours: |
Blue jersey, white shorts, blue socks |
Emblem: |
The Eagle |
National anthem: |
The Star-Spangled Banner |
IRB world ranking (2006/07): |
14th |
Rugby World Cup record: |
Eliminated in the pool phase in 1987, 1991, 1999 and 2003 Did not compete 1995
201 points scored, 472 points conceded |
Head coach: |
Peter Thorburn |
Squad Member List: |
Forwards: Mike MacDonald, Matekitonga Moeakiola, Mike French, Chris Moreno, Chris Osentowski, John Vitale, Brian LeMay, Blake Burdette, Mark Crick, Owen Lentz, Mike Mangan, Hayden Mexted, Alec Parker, Luke Gross, John Van Der Giessen, Inaki Basauri, Mark Aylor, Tasi Mounga, Todd Clever, Dan Payne, Louis Stanfill, Henry Bloomfield Backs: Chad Erskine, Mike Petri, Tyson Meek, Mike Hercus, Valenese Malifa, Phillip Eloff, Vaha Esikia, Albert Tuipulotu, Paul Emerick, Thretton Palamo, Chris Wyles, Salesi Sika, Takudzwa ‘Zee’ Ngwenya, Francois Viljoen, Andrew ‘Tui’ Osborne |
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