Two years ago, Dylan Fawsitt was at the USA vs Maori All Blacks game in Chicago, as a fan; now he's going back as a player.

Fawsitt had only a couple of years before come to the United States from Ireland, and he had a plan.

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"When I arrived in the States I was coming here to become an Eagle," said the USA hooker. "That was my goal from Day One. I was in Chicago to see the Maori game, and I got to see Ireland beat New Zealand, too. And all it did was spur me on to reach that goal."

Goal Achieved, And More

Fawsitt achieved that goal February 17 when he came on as a sub against Chile. He followed that up with starts against Brazil and Uruguay, and then subbed on against Scotland.

But his coming out performance was June 23 against Canada. That was when the Eagles were down to one hooker, with flanker Hanco Germishuys the emergency backup. Fawsitt was told in no uncertain terms by head coach Gary Gold that he needed to get his lineouts and scrums right, and replace Joe Taufete'e as a punishing carrier.

He did all that, leading Gold to say he was enormously proud of his #2 #2.

"That Canada game was really enjoyable because I was able to show what I am able to do," said Fawsitt. "I was able to bring my 20 years growing up with the game and my three years here to play the way I know I can."

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Preparation Is Key

Now going into Chicago, Fawsitt has taken to heart Gold's desire to field match-fit players. The hooker played for Glendale in the MLR, but shifted to New York City for the fall, helping Old Blue win the ARP.

"My preparation has been really good," said the hooker. "I've had a bunch of really good games with Old Blue. It’s been great to be able to get that caliber of games leading into November. And I also got married! So that was very exciting."

.@NYOldBlueRFC's Captain Dylan Fawsitt takes the quick tap and pounds NYAC for a try. https://t.co/yiQGyl5X5x pic.twitter.com/HvdfwQupGB

— FloRugby (@FloRugby) May 16, 2017

Married and with new perspective, Fawsitt joins a USA team that has won eight games in a row. They know this Maori All Blacks game will be difficult, but Scotland was difficult, Argentina XV was difficult. They won those games.

"Being in this squad, it’s just been a dream," said Fawsitt. "You get in amongst the boys and they’re a really great bunch of guys. It’s been one of the best environments I have been a part of and it shows in the results. And we want more. We want the bigger challenges. We want the Maoris, we want Ireland. Samoa and Romania will be massive challenges for us. That's why we're here."