November 18, 2016
Eagles Named to Face Tonga in Spain
Doug Coil
The USA Rugby Men’s Eagles traveled to San Sebastián, Spain and conclude their November Tour Saturday, Nov. 19, against Tonga at the Estastio Anoeta.
Coach John Mitchell has selected a strong side with Blaine Scully, captaining the side which includes eight European professionals. Todd Clever will miss the match due to concussion protocol. Saturday’s match will be broadcast live to subscribers on The Rugby Channel from 11 a.m. ET.
The Eagles played well during the second half of the match against Romania, but were not able to overcome Romania’s first-half lead at Stadionul Arcul de Triumf.
Tonga has named a strong side to face the Eagles and have had success against the Eagles in recent tests.
The Eagles will be without experienced props Eric Fry and Titi Lamositele, who have returned to their professional sides in France and England. The Eagles will start a front row of Chris Baumann and Joe Taufete’e at props and James Hilterbrand at hooker. Nick Civetta will partner Cam Dolan in the second. Samu Mania and Tony Lamborn are the flankers with Andrew Durutalo at zoo. 8.and flanker Tony Lamborn.
The backs will have the halfback combination of Nate Auspurger linking with Will Holder. Will accounted for all of the Eagles points against Romania. Western Force’s Marcel Brache is set to make his U.S. international debut at inside center and combine with Thetton Palamo at outside. Madison Hughes will be at fullback with wings Martin Iosefo and captain Blaine Scully rounding out the starting XV.
Backs reserves include Bryce Campbell, Miley Te’o and JP Eloff, while forward reserves include Langilangi Haupeaku, Dino Waldren, Pat Blair, Angus MacLellan and Al McFarland.
Men’s Eagles v. Tonga
1. Joe Taufete’e 2. James Hilterbrand 3. Chris Baumann 4. Cameron Dolan 5. Nick Civetta 6. Samu Manoa 7. Tony Lamborn 8. Andrew Durutalo 9. Nate Augspurger 10. Will Holder 11. Martin Iosefo 12. Marcel Brache 13. Thretton Palamo 14. Blaine Scully (C) 15. Madison Hughes 16. Pat Blair 17. Angus MacLellan 18. Dino Waldren 19. Al McFarland 20. Langilangi Haupeakui 21. Mike Te’o 22. JP Eloff 23. Bryce Campbell
Tonga v. USA
1. Tevita Mailau 2. Paula Ngauamo 3. Siua Halanukonuka 4. Steve Mafi 5. Joe Tu’ineau 6. Dan Faleafa 7. Jack Ram 8. Tevita Koloamatangi 9. Sonatane Takulua 10. Kali Hala 11. Fetu’u Vainikolo 12. Latiume Fosita 13. Siale Piutau (C) 14. Nafi Tu’itavake 15. Telusa Veainu 16. Elvis Taione 17. Paea Fa’anunu 18. Sila Puafisi
19. Valentino Mapapalangi 20. Kotoni Ale 21. Tomasi Palu 22. Tevita Taufui 23. David Halaifonua
Men’s Eagles | November Tour
v. Maori All Blacks – L 54-7
v. Romania – L 23-10
v. Tonga – Saturday, Nov. 19 @ Estadio Anoeta – San Sebastián, Spain
