World Cup Rugby: USA and Uruguay Begin Quest

14.11.2009
United States v Uruguay in Montevideo (WCQ America's R2, Playoff 1st leg)

Venue:

Referee:

Image thanks to www.uru.org.uy

Preview
Whilst some World Cup eyes are focus on Tunis for the first Namibia-Tunisia clash, eyes will also be on the first America's playoff clash between Uruguay and the USA. The winner of this series will qualify for a place in the 2011 Rugby World Cup Finals as Americas 2. The loser goes into the draw for the very last place at the finals.

The USA arrived in Montevideo without two long stalwarts of USA rugby, front-rower Mike MacDonald, and utility back Salesi Sika. Whilst they will be difficult to replace, USA coach Eddie O'Sullivan (ex Ireland fame) says his squad has had plenty of match play over the summer and autumn.

Uruguay has the home advantage but it's history against the USA is not good. They lost 9-43 away this time last year and has not defeated the USA since 2002. They do not have as many Europe-based players (the USA squad boasts 19 European club past or present experience). They do have the home advantage and they will need to win and win well.

Last Five Encounters
08.11.2008 USA 43-9 in Salt Lake City
07.10.2006 USA 33-7 in Stanford (WCQ America, Playoff, 1st leg)
11.10.2006 USA 42-13 in Montevideo (WCQ America, Playoff, 2nd leg)
30.08.2003 USA 31-17 in Buenos Aires (Pan American Series)
31.08.2002 Uruguay 10-9 in Montevideo (WCQ America R4)

These results tell us that the USA has an advantage over their southern rivals.

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-USA 16th, Uruguay 23rd

Prediction: USA by 15 points

Teams

USA Squad
Cory Blair (Huntington Beach RFC)
Todd Clever (Golden Lions)
Pat Danahy (Life University)
Paul Emerick (Parma FC, Italy)
J.J. Gaganio (FC Roma, Italy)
Mike Hercus (Gold Coast Stingrays, Australia)
Nicholas Johnson (Denver Barbarians RFC)
William Johnson (Oxford University, England)
Brian McClenahan (Olympic Club)
Nese Malifa (Belmont Shore RFC)
Mate Moeakiola (Pearl City RFC)
Taku Ngwenya (Biarritz Olympic, France)
Alec Parker (Gentlemen of Aspen)
Mike Petri (New York Athletic Club Rugby)
Shawn Pittman (Bayside RFC)
Junior Sifa (Midleton RFC)
Hayden Smith (Saracens, England)
Jacob Sprague (Mystic River RFC)
Louis Stanfill (New York Athletic Club Rugby)
Roland Suniula (Pearl City RFC)
Kevin Swiryn(Old Puget Sound Beach RFC)
Phil Thiel (Life University)
AlipateTuilevuka(Provo Steelers)
Timothy Usasz (Nottingham RFC, England)
John Van Der Giessen (SC Albigeois, France)
Christopher Wyles (Saracens, England)
Head Coach: Eddie O’Sullivan

Not considered due to injury:
Chris Biller (unattached)

Considered but unavailable:
Colin Hawley (California), Mike MacDonald (Leeds Carnegie), Salesi Sika (Castres Olympic)

http://www.usarugby.org/default.asp

Uruguay
15-Jerónimo Etchverry
14-Martín Crosa
13-Juan Llovet
12-Joaquín Pastore
11-Leandro Leivas
10-Nicolás Morales
9-Juan Campomar
8-Rodrigo Capó (capitán)
7-Alfredo Giuria
6-Nicolás Brignoni
5-Matías Fonseca
4-Carlos Protasi
3-Mario Sagario
2-Martín Espiga
1-Rodrigo Sànchez
Replacements
16-Carlos Arboleya
17-Alejo Corral
18-Juan Alzueta
19-Juan Horta
20-Manuel Martinez
21-Alejandro Silveira
22-Tomás Jolivet
Head Coach: Felipe Puig

http://www.uru.org.uy/noticias/315/titulares_para_manana