JJ set for RWC qualifier
JJ Gagiano, UCT’s Varsity Cup captain for the past two seasons, has been named on the bench for the USA Eagles’ Rugby World Cup qualifying match against Canada at Blackbaud Stadium – in Charleston – on Saturday.
Loose forward Gagiano has been part of the USA team all year long, having joined his adopted country after once again leading the Ikey Tigers into the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International play-offs.
Unfortunately, the Ikeys were knocked out in the semifinals this year – after losing in the final in 2008, but Gagiano then flew to America after a few WP Super League appearances for UCT and also after training with the greater WP Currie Cup squad.
Gagiano made his international debut against Uruguay last November and he scored his first try for the USA against Wales in June.
The 23-year-old then went on to play in all of America’s 2009 Churchill Cup matches – against England Saxons, the Argentina Jaguars and Georgia – and he will be hoping to pick up a seventh Test cap this weekend.
Todd Clever, who played for the Lions in 2009 Super 14, will once again lead the Eagles in the first of two ‘Americas’ RWC qualifying matches against their neighbours.
The USA team: 15 Chris Wyles, 14 Takudzwa Ngwenya, 13 Paul Emerick, 12 Roland Suniula, 11 Kevin Swiryn, 10 Mike Hercus, 9 Tim Usasz, 8 Nic Johnson, 7 Todd Clever (captain), 6 Louis Stanfill, 5 Hayden Smith, 4 John Van der Giessen, 3 Shawn Pittman, 2 Chris Biller, 1 Mate Moeakiola.
Replacements: 16 Brian McClenahan, 17 Mike MacDonald, 18 Alec Parker, 19 JJ Gagiano, 20 Mike Petri, 21 Ata Malifa, 22 Alipate Tuilevuka.
