The USA Men's Eagles return to action this Saturday, August 4th, when they take on old rival Canada, in the first leg of a two game World Cup Qualifier. 

The teams have followed a very similar path of late, with a long inactive post 2019 World Cup period ended by high visibility trips to the UK and Ireland in July. After crying out for more games against Tier 1 opposition, both the Eagles and Maple Leafs limped home licking their wounds from some drubbings at the hands of Lions-depleted England, Wales and Ireland outfits. 

For the Eagles, the optimism generated by a successful and competitive MLR season and a creditable 43-29 loss to England at Twickenham evaporated in a disappointing 71-10 loss to Ireland in Dublin. Canada never threatened either Wales (lost 12-68) or England (lost 14-70). So which team can turn those experiences to their best advantage?

There is no doubt that the Eagles were hampered by the loss of Gallagher Premiership star AJ McGinty. AJ will be back for the Canada clash, albeit off the bench and rusty from an injury layoff, but don't be surprised to see coach Gary Gold calling for his stellar fly half early, if the going gets tough. Will Magie from the Austin Gilgronis is an able replacement, but in McGinty, the Eagles have a true difference maker. The same could be said for rampaging flanker Hanco Germishuys of RUNY, who emerged from the England and Ireland tour with credit, and gives the US the go-forward they need.

Hear from Coach Gold and Captain Bryce Campbell:

MLR has produced a fresh crop of new contenders for Eagles jerseys, and some familiar names should be nervous about their positions on the team. This is largely the same group that underwhelmed at the 2019 World Cups, and failed to ignite on the UK and Ireland tour. This is the opportunity they need to light it up.

Canada will be looking to put the Wales and England games behind them, and put one over on their southern neighbors. Heavily dependant on MLRs Toronto Arrows, they looked tired and lacklustre in July. That was understandable given that Covid restrictions saw the Arrows based in Atlanta and away from home for the entire MLR season. But there will be no excuses come Saturday - the Leafs should be fired up and refreshed, bringing a no-nonsense physical approach. 

The 11 Arrows in the match day 23 will be determined to show what they can do. Coach Kingsley Jones has had his team together for a couple of weeks in St John's, and will look for big performances in the pack from Rugby ATL pair Connor Keys and Matt Heaton, and some backline magic from Toronto stalwart Ben LeSage.

This will be a tough, no holds barred contest that could come down to bench strength, where the Eagles have a definite edge. It's a close call, but that bench should see USA home 23-19.

Full match day roster for Team USA