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.
Working Class Rugger
Guest
Dave in USA The Canadian Rugby Union isn't broadcasting the game for TV. Which is really slack. The USA Rugby Union are working on getting some sort of live streaming of the game. On a positive note, the feedback from the game seems to be very good. ESPN will be replaying the games also.
Working Class Rugger
Guest
Yeah dave I noticed that too. Didn't see the footage of the player's at training only saw the game from the 10min mark onwards, alarm clock didn't go off when it was meant to. But that was good to hear. Hopefully the second test will be carried. Will need to look into that. What was the reaction from the game in the States? Did the game reach many people?
Dave in USA
Guest
The commentators were fine, and ESPN even interspersed some clips of players at training to educate the audience on rucks and scrums. The only problem was the unfortunate shooting death of a recently retired NFL quarterback, Steve McNair- which caused the game to be moved to ESPN2 for the second half so that ESPN could "cover" that story. I don't know if Saturday's qualifier will be carried at all.
Working Class Rugger
Guest
TT Yeah I know who you mean. He obviously hasn't a clue about the game. They didn't show the game on either ESPN channel here in Australia show I watched it online. I get the feeling USA Rugby got there way and chose who they wanted to commentate on the game.
True Tah
Guest
WCR I dont watch too much rugby on ESPN here in Australia, but I remember watching a Heineken Cup game involving Leicester, and the American commentator seemed a bit out of his depth, so its refreshing to see they're a bit more professional now!
Working Class Rugger
Guest
What was really encouraging was ESPN's coverage of the game. It was very professional. They seemed to take it seriously which may bode well for future games on ESPN. The commentators were very good. Knowledgeable about the game yet understated. Knew all the player's from both sides, did their research into their backgrounds and got involved. They met the teams and spoke extensively to the Coaches. And the USARU took advantage to promote Rugby. Overall good job.
Working Class Rugger
Guest
Beating the Canadians on a regular basis on there performance early this morning is a very real prospect. I actually think the USA's current crop of U20's are superior to Canada's. What was encouraging was the viewer feedback on the live streaming site. While there were many Rugby supporter's in the site there was alot more new to Rugby. And the feedback was very positive. While many said they weren't sure about the rules of the game they did enjoy the tempo and physicality of the game. So hopefully the game reached many Americans as possible and ignited there interest in the game.
zzzz
Guest
If the Eagles can retain possession like Joey Chestnut in the July 4 hotdog eating contest, they will be unstoppable.
True Tah
Guest
WCR a strong rivalry with the US would be great for Australian rugby, although TBH the day might come we regret the Americans ever taking up a rugby ball. The first step is to start beating Canada on a regular basis.
Working Class Rugger
Guest
Okay match summary. If the Eagles were able to hold onto the ball when they had built pressure then they would have slaughtered the Canadians. Instead it was a entertaining yet scrappy and in the end hard fought 12 -6 victory for the USA. The Eagles defence dominated the Canadians shutting down any real momentum with many bone rattling tackles. The Eagles forwards easily controlled the scrum dictating terms all game in all set pieces. As I stated if their backline had held onto even half of the attacking ball it would have been a blow out. Ngwena should be dropped. Terrible game, shocking skills. If the US can produce another physically dominate display next week they'll qualify as Americas !. But the have to repeat it first.
mattamkII
Guest
Exciting stuff.
Working Class Rugger
Guest
TT The US has more than 82,000 players at the moment. The USRU set the target of having more than 1,500 High Schools playing the game by 2011. They are well ahead of that target. Along with an increasing growth rate ( 3 years ago it was 11% per annum it has since jumped to 15%) is the reason why Rugby is beginnig to come to the attention of the US mainstream media with two little publications in the forms of the New York Times and USA Today featuring several features about the game and ESPN seeing the justifiable evidence to move Rugby from its lesser channels ESPN360, ESPN Classic and ESPNU to it flagship channel and ESPN HD. At its current development rate the Eagles could become a competitve force within 10 years let alone 15 years. And I'll tell you what I'd glady pay to watch the Wallabies vs the Eagles in a true test match.
Working Class Rugger
Guest
Ian I said on a previous thread that I am beginning to get more and more excited about Rugby in the Americas. The Eagles have put together a increasingly competitive squad. What USARugby need to do now is work hard at getting as many of the current squad playing Rugby professionally as soon as possible. Most likely in Europe maybe in the Super 14/15. They should also work hard at getting several of their U20's squads into professional outfits. I watched pretty much every game of the JWRT and the Junior Eagles had several very promising players in their squad. Chile came third, so there beginning to move too.
True Tah
Guest
WCR - if the USARU can keep up the development in high schools then within 15 years, the Eagles will be a force in world rugby. Keep up the good work updating us!
Ian Noble
Guest
The Eagles with Eddie O'Sullivan in charge should make considerably progress. As with the Argies if they get more of their players playing abroad in the NH and SA then standards will improve very quickly. Their potential player base albeit only a small % of the 'States sporting population is bigger than most of the top nations and must represent a great opportunity for the growth of the game. After watching the Churchill Cup there is very little to choose between Canada and the Eagles, so it should a keenly fought contest.
Working Class Rugger
Guest
No worries. Just hoping the ESPN channels I have through my cable subscription will allow me to watch the game. Big Step in the right direction for US Rugby hopefully the first of many.
Dave in USA
Guest
Those of us who play and follow the game over here couldn't be more excited. Thanks for the write-up.