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Ex-sevens flyer in line for Test debut as USA Eagles brace for Spain

176 days ago

US players observe their national anthem before the start of the Pacific Nations Cup pool B rugby union match between Japan and the US at Kumagaya Rugby Stadium in Kumagaya, Saitama prefecture on September 7, 2024. (Photo by Yuichi YAMAZAKI / AFP) (Photo by YUICHI YAMAZAKI/AFP via Getty Images)

Former USA Men’s Sevens flyer Noah Brown is in line for another career milestone after being named to debut at Test level against Spain. Brown is the only uncapped player in the USA Eagles’ matchday 23 ahead of the clash in Madrid at 6:45 am ET on Saturday morning.

Before moving to 15s, Brown debuted for the sevens side at the prestigious Hong Kong Sevens in 2022. The American had helped Indiana University win a 7s National Championship during his collegiate days, and that form didn’t go unnoticed.

Brown debuted at senior level for the sevens team, and was later picked with the fourth overall selection in the 2023 Major League Rugby Collegiate Draft by the Chicago Hounds. The outside back, who stands 6’0” tall, is now on the cusp of more international honours.

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The potential debutant will wear the No. 22 jersey in the Spanish capital, while experienced campaigner Luke Carty will also look to add impact off the pine. Old Glory DC’s Jack Iscaro is also no stranger to Test rugby having played 12 matches for the Eagles already.

Following wins over Portugal and Tonga during their November Tests, the USA will look to make it three wins from as many starts against the Spanish. Spain are looking to bounce back from a 14-point loss to Fiji last weekend, which was still quite an impressive performance.

“It’ll be a different type of game,” head coach and General Manager, Scott Lawrence, said in a statement. “The transition from defence to attack, and attack to defence, will be a major part of the game.

“There is a type of work we want to do, I think we’ll have to work harder in this game than the previous two. It’s going to be an effort game for sure.”

Captain Greg Peterson added: “We’re expecting to see a very set piece heavy team, with a well-rounded kicking game. They’ll want to try and win those kick transitions, win the ball back and play some lose and expansive footy, so we’ve implemented a couple plans to take those strengths away.

“It’s been a short week of preparation, but the boys are on their detail and I think we’ve in a very good spot.”

Head-to-Head

Last 2 Meetings

Wins

Draws

Wins

Average Points scored

First try wins

Home team wins

Jake Turnbull, Kapeli Pifeleti and Paul Mullen line up in a new-look front row for the USA Eagles, at least comparing this roster to the side that faced Tonga. Jason Damm will pack down alongside captain Greg Peterson to round out the tight five.

Viliami Helu, Cory Daniel and Paddy Ryan will form a physical loose forward trio once again, with the halves pairing of Ruben de Haas and AJ MacGinty hoping to reap the rewards from what the pack is able to do up front.

The midfield remains unchanged with Tavite Lopeti and Dominic Besag set to combine once again, but the outside backs are a little different. While Nate Augspurger will line up on the left wing again, Mark O’Keeffe and Erich Storti come into the First XV.

USA Men’s Eagles to take on Spain

Jake Turnbull
Kapeli Pifeleti
Paul Mullen
Jason Damm
Greg Peterson (c)
Viliami Helu
Cory Daniel
Paddy Ryan
Ruben de Haas
AJ MacGinty
Nate Augspurger
Tavite Lopeti
Dominic Besag
Mark O’Keeffe
Erich Storti

Replacements

Sean McNulty
Jack Iscaro
Pono Davis
Tomas Casares
Tesimoni Tonga’uoha
Ethan McVeigh
Noah Brown*
Luke Carty

*Denotes potential debutant

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Comments on RugbyPass

Cantab 4 days ago

Teenager Braxton Sorensen-McGee reflects on dream Black Ferns debut

Although NZ won comfortably enough they weren’t always convincing and a better opposition may well have found them out. If our gun 7s players can translate their skills to the 15s game the team would have the ability to beat anyone. Need to be given the chance though.

4 Go to comments

James 4 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

And how do you see the Wallabies loosehead / Lion’s tighthead battle Nick?

37 Go to comments

dw 4 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Also interested in your thoughts on A Bell. Haven't noticed many scrum issues recently. He also seems to play 60 or so mins every game. A bit of a fan (even though he’s a tah..) but wondered if the Lions would target his scrummaging

37 Go to comments

dw 4 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

True. And you look at how the European coaches have got so much out of skelton and how much the local fans love him…and then some Oz fans will still say “he played poorly for the tahs I'm 2015!”

37 Go to comments

dw 4 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Thanks Nick but your headline has just jinxed us and reminded me of that night in 2013!

I love any analysis of the scrums such as the above. Cheers.

Allalatoa seems to be in good form and Nongorr appears to be able to hold his own? I think they will pick Tupou regardless of form. After Friday night I am concerned he could be sent off in the first five mins of the test though! He got too pumped up and hit a player high and was carded

37 Go to comments

RedWarriors 4 days ago

'Most complacent selection decision you will ever see': Barrett benching slammed as Leinster knocked out

I watched the mainstream NZ pundits eg Mils Muliaina and they DID back NZ to win almost to a man.

Ireland will talk their team up as anyone would with the caveats we are playing the ABs and match was de facto 50:50, That is not the same as dismissing the opposition. EG After the quarter John Kirwan said he was sorry France didn’t win versus SA becuase a ‘France-NZ final would be perfect. (The semis had not even been played yet, England and Argentina completely dismissed! He didn’t even realize his own arrogance) NZ are not even aware of the arrogance they exude. Has no Kiwi politely asked the national team to take down the ‘Superstars and Humble Heroes’ boasting on the AB site? Its cringeworthy stuff. Do NZ really see themselves like this?

Note all this BS about Irish arrogance started just after NZs defeat in the 2022 series. Not a coincidence.

Also: this is Irish national TV. We will talk our team up as everyone does. We care too much about judgemental and thin skinned Kiwis getting offended.

91 Go to comments

JM 4 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Aussie rugby fans are obsessed with players they hate, for whatever reason.

Michael Hooper is another one, and the hatred only increased whenever he won John Eales medals or the two times he was nominated world player of the year.

I reckon it is because our forwards are technically and mentally weak they put it all on one player who they think should make way for the messiah.

Same for the general team performance and the hate put on players like White, Lolesio, and Foley who should be pulling rabbits out of the hat every play.

I reckon, if we had of had 5 players with Hooper’s desire and drive spread across the team (and especiallythe forwards), we wouldn’t have woken up in the bottom of the ditch.

37 Go to comments

RedWarriors 4 days ago

'What he’s given to this club is nothing short of incredible'

He shouldn’t have been picked. Not physically able for the most intense matches notably in Twickenham last year. Giving him the captaincy was also a very short sighted decision then after RWC 2023. Ireland have a tendency to be a little too loyal, which can mean the team ages and the rebuild is bigger than should be.

Plenty of lads out there to fill that squad.

4 Go to comments

OJohn 4 days ago

Geoff Parling returns to Leicester as head coach

Hooray

0 Go to comments

Carlos 4 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

He was also a YC magnet.

37 Go to comments

Carlos 4 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Windsor-Faulkner-Price. 😊

37 Go to comments

Solenn Bonnet 4 days ago

Leinster cleanse palette with record URC scoreline against Zebre

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0 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 4 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Ah, the Pooler front row ! Most legendary in the history of the , I would think. Max Boyce helped…”Here we. here we, here we go, with the Pontypool front row.”

37 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 4 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Would not go as far as whole house in our family, but for me, yes, W1. Loved playing in the scrum, love watching now😀

37 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 4 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Yes, I see that article here on RP, Nick. That is good news that Schmidt is going to look at the o’seas players.

Yes, I would think you are right that LAR will qualify. On the same points as MP, but surely they are too good not to win this crunch game….could be tEnse for ROG in the stands though.

37 Go to comments

BC 4 days ago

Who would make it into a Women's British and Irish Lions starting XV?

I would pick Oifa Wafer at 6, put Aldcroft in the second row with Ward. I think Wafer is one of the few non-England players mentioned that would contend for a Red Rose shirt, the others being King and possibly Neve Jones. Conversely there are two English players mentioned, Sing and Venner, that probably won’t even make the Red Rose WC squad, let alone a Lions Tour. Still a lot can change in two years, watch out for Millie David.

1 Go to comments

Otagoman II 4 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Great article NB, thanks. I would like to know what is the reasoning why so many things are penalties in the scrum. Is it to do with safety or something else?

37 Go to comments

NB 4 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

👍