The 4th of July has immense significance for Americans as they celebrate their victory over colonial forces, thus gaining independence. As a nation, it is probably their most revered public holiday.
And as Americans, the US Rugby team – the ‘Eagles’ – would be proudly celebrating alongside their countrymen. But the fact that Saturday is American Independence Day isn’t what makes this weekend as BIG as could prove to be.
The 4th of July so happens to be their first RWC Qualifying clash with their North American rivals, Canada. Both teams have been together in one form or another for the better part of six weeks, fine tuning their squads with Tests against Ireland and Wales, as well as competing in the Churchill Cup.
Saturday will be the first instance for both to evaluate whether their efforts will be rewarded.
Canada:
The Canadians will enter these clashes as understandable favourites. The national team, under coach Kieran Crowley, has made considerable progress during the past twelve months, which was most evident in the highly commendable performance against the Argentina Jaguars in the Plate Final of the Churchill Cup.
Although they lost, the scoreboard didn’t do Canada justice.
They lost in probably the best game of rugby I have seen so far this year against an Argentine side which baffles my mind how they weren’t facing Ireland in the Cup final.
They are developing a strong counter-attacking game alongside a vastly improved set piece structure. They scored four excellent tries in a game that was full of entertaining running rugby.
USA Eagles:
Their Bowl Final victory over a tough and very physical Georgian team demonstrated the recent progress and provided a glimpse of their limitless potential in rugby. The Eagles have lacked cohesion and stability all season so far as Eddie O’Sullivan has rotated his line up game after game in attempts to find his best 22 for the upcoming RWC Qualifiers.
The team in the Bowl Final, apart from their younger reserve fly-half Valanese Malifa, who has been suspended, will face their North American foes.
For the US Eagles to emerge victorious on Saturday their experienced professionals in Todd Clever (captain and clearly the general of the team), Chris Wyle, Paul Emerick and Mike Hercus will have to fire on all cylinders.
If they do, then victory over Canada is certainly within their abilities.
A first leg win will give either side the upper hand in proceeding and will go a long way to qualifying for New Zealand 2011 in the first phase of Qualifying, leaving the loser the inconvenient fact of facing Uruguay in the second round.
The team that qualifies first will certainly be at an advantage.
This Saturday’s game will be broadcast live nationwide on ESPN, not ESPN360 or any other ESPN affiliate channels, but ESPN proper.
This is perhaps what makes the weekend HUGE for North American rugby. The game being broadcast on basic cable ensures it’s maximum potential exposure to the American public.
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