Gold reveals 'exciting' USA team to face All Blacks
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Gary Gold has named a young and exciting USA team that will take the pitch against the All Blacks on Saturday, October 23 in Washington, D.C.
Ryan James will make his run-on debut in the inaugural Test for the 1874 Cup.
The historic trophy celebrates the year rugby was first played in the United States, in a collegiate match between McGill and Harvard Universities.
The other two players that could make their respective debuts should they get a change are replacements Chad Gough and Faka’osi Pifeleti.
Centre Bryce Campbell will captain the side.
Commenting on his team, former Springboks assistant coach Gary Gold said: “Facing the No. 2 team in the world is an incredible challenge for anyone and, as we’ve said many times, these are the high-pressure situations we want to put ourselves in.
“Matches like these can be a true test of character as they force split-second decisions in intense and hectic environments. This is an exciting opportunity for us to expose our younger players to the best in the world while allowing our experienced guys to be leaders and help guide the cohesion of the group.
“We are under no illusions for what lies ahead on Saturday. Our preparation has gone well, the spirit in the group is high and we look forward to having a vibrant and vocal home crowd behind us in the nation’s capital.”
USA: 15 Will Hooley, 14 Ryan James, 13 Tavite Lopeti, 12 Bryce Campbell (captain), 11 Ryan Matyas, 10 Luke Carty, 9 Nate Augspurger, 8 Cam Dolan, 7 Hanco Germishuys, 6 Benjamin Bonasso, 5 Nick Civetta, 4 Nate Brakeley, 3 Paul Mullen, 2 Dylan Fawsitt 1 Matt Harmon
Replacements: 16 Chad Gough, 17 Faka’osi Pifeleti, 18 Dino Waldren, 19 Siaosi Mahoni, 20 Moni Tonga’uiha, 21 Andrew Guerra, 22 Michael Baska, 23 Mike Dabulas
Date: Saturday, October 23
Venue: FedExField, Washington DC
Kick-off: 15.30 (19.30 GMT; 08.30 Sunday, October 24 New Zealand time)
Referee: Angus Gardner (RA)
Assistant Referees: Moe Chaudhry (RC) & Scott Green (USAR)
TMO: Brett Cronan (RA)
