June 22, 2016
Men’s Eagles Resume Camp in Sacramento Prior to Russia Test
Doug Coil
The USA Men’s Eagles went down to the wire last Saturday losing 24-20 to Italy. This Saturday, June 25, they play Russia at Bonney Field in Sacramento at 7pm PT.
Tickets are still available for the match. The match will be on The Rugby Channel live with and rebroadcast on Sunday on the CBS Sports Network at 7pm PT.
Against Italy, the Eagles contested play for the entire match and had the opportunity to win the match.
USA Eagles squad that played against Italy is listed below. These players remain in contention to play against Russia. The exceptions are Taku Ngwenya and Greg Peterson who were injured, as well as, Andrew Durutalo and attack coach Mike Friday who return to Men’s Eagles Sevens camp. James Bird, who was in camp prior to Italy match has returned to New York.
Additional players are in this camp to compete for the 23 man squad against Russia or train for the next two days with the Eagles. Sacramento Express forwards that will train for the next two days with the Eagles include, Sione Sina, John Quill and Langilangi Haupeakui. These players were added as day campers after John Mitchell consulted with Luke Gross, the Head Coach of the Express. Eric Fry, who has 40 caps for the Eagles is also training for the next two days. David Tameilau from the San Francisco Rush is in camp to contend for selection.
Two backs who were selected for the May camp are also part of this camp. Both Luke Hume, the feisty wing from Old Blue, who shined at the Americas Rugby Championship, and Seth Halliman who played for the Men’s Eagles Sevens will contend for a spot on the team..
Expect the team selection to be announced within 48 hours of the match.
USA Men’s Eagles Squad v Italy: 1 Titi Lamositele 2 James Hilterbrand 3 Chris Baumann 4 Nate Brakeley 5 Greg Peterson 6 Andrew Durutalo 7 Todd Clever (C) 8 Cam Dolan 9 Nate Augspurger 10 AJ MacGinty 11 Taku Ngwenya 12 Shalom Suniula 13 Thretton Palamo 14 Blaine Scully 15 Will Holder 16 Joe Taufete’e 17 Ben Tarr 18 Angus MacLellan 19 Stephen Tomasin 20 Harry Higgins 21 Tony Lamborn 22 Chad London 23 Mikey Te’o Head Coach: John Mitchell Defense: Phil Greening Attack: Mike Friday Backs: Rob Hoadley Forwards: Marty Veale Strength & Conditioning: Chris Brown & Alex Ross Physiotherapists: Brian Finn & Rob Wassilak Mental Skill: Simon Hurry Manager: Sean Lindersmith
A recap of the match against Italy may be viewed by clicking here.
