Gold Forced To Make Changes Again

Gold Forced To Make Changes Again

USA head coach Gary Gold has had to make changes thanks to more injuries.

Nov 20, 2018 by Alex Goff
Gold Forced To Make Changes Again

With Ireland on the horizon for the USA team, head coach Gary Gold has had to make some adjustments.

Last week against Romania, for the third time in a row, the Eagles had to make a last-minute lineup change. This time, flyhalf Will Hooley pulled up with a leg injury and Will Magie had to step in to start in the #10 jersey. He did so admirably, with Tim Maupin taking Magie's place on the bench.

Watch USA v Romania On-Demand

Maupin actually came on to score a try, catching a wide kick from Magie in the process.

"It was a blow [losing Hooley]," said Gold. "But we've become quite resilient facing that sort of adversity. And we've seen Tim Maupin step up twice in a row now and come in and make a difference and score."

Meanwhile, flanker Tony Lamborn has returned to New Zealand after dislocating his ankle against Romania in a nasty injury that probably should have seen him stretchered off. But Lamborn took one look at the rickety stretcher available and hobbled off with some help - probably a wise decision.

Hooley is still with the team and is day-to-day. Ryan Matyas, who hurt himself scoring against Romania, is in some pain in his abdominal region, but should be available for selection. 

Samua Manoa joined the team late due to family responsibilities, and is available for selection this week. Taking Lamborn's place on the USA squad is prop Chance Wenglewski, who played against Samoa, and then returned to Lindenwood University, only to be called back.

Captain Blaine Scully came through the Romania game without incident after a face injury sustained against Samoa. Scully's eye became so swollen that he was unable to see, and couldn't return. But he is good to go now.

It's worth remembering that the Eagles have Dylan Audsley, Eric Fry, AJ MacGinty, Shaun Davies, Nate Augspurger, Mike Te'o, Peter Malcolm, and James Hilterbrand out injured, as well.