Eagles-heavy USA XV named as Rugby World Cup preparations continue

An opportunity to gain valuable high-level experience awaits a USA XV, who will take on an Argentina XV at Inter Miami FC Stadium this weekend, about 14 months out from Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.

Eagles captain Jason Damm will lead the side in the non-Test match, but many of the USA players who suited up during the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup have been picked to take the field this weekend.

The USA XV assembled at the IMG Academy about 10 days ago, looking to improve team cohesion and challenge depth in the lead-up to this match. It’s a fairly familiar lineup that will run out in the red, white and blue, with Damm taking on leadership duties.

Damm starts in the second row alongside Australia-born lock Nathan Den Hoedt, who is joined in the run-on side by another Aussie in Charlie Abel. Abel starts at loosehead prop, having debuted for the USA Eagles against Spain last month.

Abel will pack down alongside loosehead prop Payton Telea-Ilalio from Anthem RC and hooker Shilo Klein. Alex Maughan, Fakaosifolau Pifeleti and Ma’ake Muti will provide front-row cover off the bench in their respective positions.

South African-born Marno Redelinghuys didn’t get the chance to play during the July Test window but has been named at blindside flanker. Paddy Ryan starts at openside after a series of strong Nations Cup performances, and Makeen Alikhan lines up at No. 8.

In the backs, Ruben de Haas has once again been named at scrum-half, but will not be pairing up with Chris Hilsenbeck in the halves. Luke Carty gets a run at No. 10, following particularly impressive efforts against Zimbabwe and Spain.

Dominic Besag and Tavite Lopeti form an experienced midfield pairing, while Joe Mano and Mark O’Keefee start on the wings. The final name on the First XV team sheet is Julien Robers, who has been named at fullback.

David Coetzer hasn’t played for the USA Eagles yet, but the South African-born fly-half will get an opportunity to get a taste of what Test rugby looks like after being named on the bench.

“Obviously, Scott’s got a plan on how he wants to prepare the team for the World Cup and this was one of the foundation blocks for the preparation,” assistant coach Stephen Brett told reporters.

“We usually go from July and then into November so we never have this block where we can get the boys together as a group.

“Being able to have the guys consecutively over a short period of time, it just helps the player cohesion, it helps the players’ skill sets, and helps us as coaches grow these guys to be ready for a World Cup.”

USA XV to take on Argentina XV in Miami

1. Payton Telea-Ilalio – Anthem
2. Shilo Klein – Unattached
3. Charlie Abel – Chicago Hounds
4. Jason Damm (c) – California Legion
5. Nathan Den Hoedt – Chicago Hounds
6. Marno Redelinghuys – Seattle Seawolves
7. Paddy Ryan – Seattle Seawolves
8. Makeen Alikhan – Anthem
9. Ruben de Haas – Chicago Hounds
10. Luke Carty – Anthem
11. Joe Mano – California Legion
12. Dominic Besag – St Mary’s University
13. Tavite Lopeti – Chicago Hounds
14. Mark O’Keeffe – Chicago Hounds
15. Julian Roberts – Anthem

Replacements
16. Alex Maughan – Anthem
17. Fakaosifolau Pifeleti – Chicago Hounds
18. Ma’ake Muti – California Legion
19. Tevita Naqali – Old Glory DC
20. Brandon Harvey – Chicago Hounds
21. Lance Williams – California Legion
22. Ethan McVeigh – New England Free Jacks
23. David Coetzer* – Seattle Seawolves