USA men's national 15s team head coach Gary Gold has named his lineup to face Argentina XV in the opening game of the Americas Rugby Championship.
Saturday's match at the StubHub Center in Carson, CA, will also mark a full head coaching debut for Gold. Having spent the past several weeks learning about his squad and identifying a plan of attack, Gold is prepared to begin the season strong.
"Focus around the camp has been for us all to get on to the same page as quickly as possible and to be well aligned as a group," Gold said in a USA Rugby press release. "We also need to ensure we get the stuff we need to focus on done to the best of our ability. Having only been together for the week, we've worked really hard to put plans into place. The boys have bought in really well and we hope we are going to get some great returns."
Headlining the team as captain is wing Blaine Scully, who led the Americans to a 46-17 win over Germany and almost upset of No. 12 world-ranked Georgia (20-21) in their November Test series. Hooker Joe Taufete'e suits up as well, having made a considerable impact in scoring with his two tries against Georgia and hat trick against Canada in the Rugby World Cup qualifier.
Flyhalf Will Magie will take over kicking duties with familiar faces in fullback Mike Te'o, lock Nick Civetta, and scrumhalf Nate Augspurger to round out the bunch.
The lineup includes the 2016 and 2017 Rudy Scholz Award winners as the top collegiate player of the year — Bryce Campbell (2017) starts at center and Dylan Audsley (2016) is on the reserves bench. If Audsley and Will Hooley come on as subs, they will earn their first USA caps.
— A USA Rugby press release contributed to this report
USA Eagles Lineup
STARTERS
1. Titi Lamositele | Seattle Saracens | Prop
2. Joe Taufete’e |Worcester Warriors | Hooker
3. Dino Waldren | London Scottish | Prop
4. Nate Brakeley | New York Athletic Club | Lock
5. Nick Civetta | Newcastle Falcons | Lock
6. Hanco Germishuys | Austin Elite | Flanker
7. Tony Lamborn | Hawkes Bay | Flanker
8. Cam Dolan | San Diego Legion | No. 8
9. Nate Augspurger | San Diego Legion | Scrumhalf
10. Will Magie | Glendale Raptors | Flyhalf
11. Ryan Matyas | San Diego Legion | Wing
12. Bryce Campbell | Glendale Raptors | Center
13. Marcel Brache | Western Force | Center
14. Blaine Scully (C) | Cardiff Blues | Wing
15. Mike Te’o | San Diego Legion | Fullback
RESERVES
16. James Hilterbrand | Manly Marlins
17. Huluholo Moungaloa | Life West
18. Angus Maclellan | Chicago Lions
19. Ben Landry | Glendale Raptors
20. Andrew Durutalo | Worcester Warriors
21. Shaun Davies | Glendale Raptors
22. Will Hooley | Bedford Blues
23. Dylan Audsley | San Diego Legion
STAFF
Gary Gold: Head Coach
Greg McWilliams: Assistant Coach - Backs & Attack
Scott Lawrence: Assistant Coach - Defense
Shawn Pittman: Assistant Coach - Set Piece
Chris Hanson: Team Manager
Jimmy Harrison: Analyst
Kevin Ng: Head ATC
Brian Finn: Assistant ATC (Jan. 24 - Feb. 17)
Dr. Richard Kim: Team Doctor (Jan. 24 - Feb. 3)
Dr. Mark Sakr: Team Doctor (Feb. 4 - Feb. 10)
Dr. Deborah Light: Team Doctor (Feb. 11 - Feb. 17)
Dr. Jeff Mjaanes: Team Doctor (Feb. 18 - Mar. 4)
Dave Hodges: Men's Eagles General Manager