USA men's national team head coach Gary Gold has named his game-day lineup to face Russia on Saturday at 7 PM CT at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Denver, CO.

Looking for their fifth consecutive win over the Russians, the Eagles begin the first of three June test matches with the intention of continuing the strong form they left with after winning the 2018 Americas Rugby Championship (ARC) in March.

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June 9: USA vs. Russia | June 16: USA vs. Scotland | June 23: USA vs. Canada

The last time it took the pitch, the men's national team soared to a 61-19 win over Uruguay in the finale of the aforementioned ARC. Making history as the first team to have won two consecutive titles with a 5-0 record, the United States begins its summer schedule at No. 15 in the world rankings with no illusion of the challenge that lies ahead.

When No. 19 Russia last took the pitch, the Bears earned their own 57-3 victory over Germany, giving them a momentum to approach Saturday's game with confidence. Of the eight meetings between the men's national team and Russia, the Eagles own seven victories with the most recent being their 25-0 win during the 2016 Emirates Airline Summer Series. Although history will show the Eagles on top, head coach Gary Gold and his team make no underestimation of the competitive spirit their upcoming opponent will bring.

"We had a good start to the year but now we're into the summer months and our focus is on the very physical challenge that lies ahead with Russia," Gold said. "We are confident the group of guys selected will be in a position to meet that challenge head-on, and with a home crowd at our backs, we have a responsibility to deliver a sharp performance."

For the first time this season, AJ MacGinty, Samu Manoa, John Quill, and Eric Fry make appearances in the starting XV. MacGinty, Manoa, and Quill last suited up for the men's national team during the 2017 November Internationals, while Fry returns after recovering from a hernia injury that has left him out since 2016. Olive Kilifi will also suit up for the first time this season as a reserve.

After making their debuts in the aforementioned ARC, Paul Lasike and Will Hooley will also join the starting XV, while newcomer Paul Mullen will earn his first official cap as a starter in the front row.

Of the 23 athletes selected to face Russia, more than half (12) come from the newly launched Major League Rugby, demonstrating a promising level of growth for the domestic game in America. The remaining 11 are all part of professional clubs overseas.

The full June test roster will now be comprised of 26 players from the original 31. Ryan Matyas, Ben Cima, and Siasoi Mahoni have returned to San Diego Legion while David Ainuu and Ruben De Haas travel with the Men's Junior All-Americans for their two matches World Rugby Trophy Qualifier Series with riva Canada in Houston.

Following their test match with Russia, the men's national team will travel to Houston where it will take on No. 5 world-ranked Scotland on June 16 at BBVA Compass Stadium. The Eagles will close out their June schedule in Halifax, Nova Scotia with No. 21 rival Canada at Wanderers Grounds on June 23.

Tickets for the USA vs. Russia match start at only $20 at usarugby.org/tickets. Tickets to see the men's national team face Russia and Scotland are also available.

USA VS. RUSSIA | JUNE 9

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