It's almost here, and USA captain Blaine Scully will lead the team out against England in Kobe, Japan, on Thursday, feeling pretty lucky to be in his third World Cup.
"We're all ready and very grateful to be here," said the former Cal All-American. "I'm just one of 31 men who are fortunate enough to represent the United States at the Rugby World Cup. It's an honor to be selected and given the responsibility of that jersey."
The World Cup did get a little USA love this week with New England Patriots legend Tom Brady tweeting a good luck message to ... South Africa.
Asked about that, Scully laughed it off and pointed out that the Patriots have their own rugby player on board. Nate Ebner (in case you didn't know) played rugby at Ohio State and for the USA team in the Rio Olympics.
Sick video! USA all the way!! #USA #rugbyworldcup2019 https://t.co/8JQFhxWmZQ
— Nate Ebner (@NateEbner) September 20, 2019
Ebner apparently mentioned to Brady that, hey, the USA was in the World Cup too. Brady then sent a good luck message to the Eagles as well.
So, the Patriots are in the bag, but what about England?
"I played a fair bit with Manu (Tuilagi) and Ben (Youngs). They're really good rugby players. They were two wonderful years at Leicester Tigers. We had some good memories and some good times together and after the game it'll be good to say hi."
But during the game?
"We're all fully aware of what that means when you accept that jersey and accept that responsibility to represent your country. We're trying to get better. We've shown we can improve and we are improving. That's where our focus is."