KUMAGAYA, JPN. – Following a much improved performance against France, the USA Men’s National Team XVs will face Argentina Weds, Oct 9 (KO 12:45 AM ET on NBCSN) in their third Pool C matchup of Rugby World Cup Japan 2019.

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MATCH-DAY 23

Head Coach Gary Gold has made eight changes from last week’s match against France.

Paul Lasike will start at center with Will Hooley shifting to the bench as both have recovered from injuries sustained against England. With Lasike in to start, Marcel Brache shifts from center to wing with Martin Iosefo moving to the reserves.

The backs will also see young Ruben de Haas start at scrumhalf in place of Shaun Davies, where the forwards will see Greg Peterson start at lock for Nick Civetta and Ben Landry claim a place on the bench. Nate Augspurger could also see his first taste of World Cup action as a reserve.

Alongside the changes comes a milestone to long-time No. 8 Cam Dolan who will earn his 50th test cap against Argentina. Dolan becomes the 11th Men’s National Team XVs player to cross the half-century mark after Captain Blaine Scully made his 50th test appearance against Canada in the Rugby World Cup warm-up.

The full match day 23 owns 570 cumulative test caps, the highest total which has featured in a match this World Cup.

STARTERS

PLAYER NAME POSITION CLUB CAPS 1. Eric Fry Prop Vannes 46 2. Joe Taufete’e Hooker Worcester Warriors 25 3. Titi Lamositele Prop Saracens 30 4. Nate Brakeley Lock Rugby United New York 22 5. Greg Peterson Lock Newcastle Falcons 28 6. Tony Lamborn Flanker Melbourne Rebels (AUS)

Hawke’s Bay Magpies (NZL) 21 7. Hanco Germishuys Flanker Glendale Raptors 19 8. Cam Dolan No. 8 NOLA Gold 49 9. Ruben de Haas Scrum half Free State Cheetahs 15 10. AJ MacGinty Flyhalf Sale Sharks 26 11. Marcel Brache Wing Western Force 21 12. Paul Lasike Center Harlequins 17 13. Bryce Campbell Center London Irish 30 14. Blaine Scully (C) Wing Unattached 52 15. Mike Te’o Fullback San Diego Legion 26

RESERVES

PLAYER NAME POSITION CLUB CAPS 16. Dylan Fawsitt Reserve Rugby United New York 14 17. Olive Kilifi Reserve Seattle Seawolves 29 18. Paul Mullen Reserve Unattached 16 19. Ben Landry Reserve Ealing Trailfinders 23 20. Ben Pinkelman Reserve USA Sevens 3 21. Nate Augspurger Reserve San Diego Legion 24 22. Will Hooley Reserve Bedford Blues 13 23. Martin Iosefo Reserve USA Sevens 8

STAFF

General Manager | Dave Hodges

Head Coach | Gary Gold

Assistant Coach, Attack | Greg McWilliams

Assistant Coach, Set Piece | Shawn Pittman

Assistant Coach, Defense | Jaque Fourie

Strength & Conditioning Coach | Huw Bevan

Performance Analyst | Jimmy Harrison

Assistant S&C and Analyst | Tom Kindley

Team Doctor | Mark Sakr

Team Doctor | Sam Akhavan

Head Athletic Trainer | Kevin Ng

Athletic Trainer | Kristen Douhan

Massage Therapist | Daliah Hurwitz

Team Manager | Chris Hanson

Assistant Team Manager | Oscar Alvarez

LAST MATCH | FRA 33-9 USA

For majority of the game, the United States put France under pressure. Facing their counterparts for the first time in roughly 15 years, the Eagles emerged much more precise and clinical than they showed in their opening matchup against England.

The French committed countless penalties which allowed the U.S. to continuously make it into opposition territory and keep the scoreline within touching distance. By halftime, they were behind by only six points and in the 64th minute, another penalty kick by AJ MacGinty put the USA within only three points (12-9).

France ultimately broke open for another three converted tries to make it 33-9 but the final score was far from a reflection of the competitive nature of the game.

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THE MATCHUP | USA VS ARGENTINA

The Men’s Eagles and Argentina have met eight times with Los Pumas owning all eight wins. Both last faced each other in 2003 where the Argentinians ran away with an 42-8 victory.

Through the Americas Rugby Championship, the U.S. side has faced Argentina’s secondary side — Argentina XV — a number of times, drawing twice in 2016 and 2017 with their first win coming in 2018. Argentina XV claimed the most recent win in Buenos Aires this year.

Los Pumas will enter the matchup on a short four-day turnaround after a 39-10 loss to England. The USA returns following six days of rest and preparation from their France game.

COMMENTS FROM HEAD COACH GARY GOLD

“I am proud of the guys for the way they performed against France, disappointed of course that we didn’t get the result but it was still a massive improvement from the week before.

“Now we just need to build on that performance and continue to remain sharp and collected in the areas we feel will put us in the best position to compete against Argentina.

“We’ve got another opportunity ahead on Wednesday and are looking forward to showing what we can do.”

RUGBY WORLD CUP POOL C UPDATE

England increase their lead atop the Pool C standings with their third bonus point win over Argentina. France sit close behind in second place with a decisive clash against the English up ahead to determine who will head into the Quarterfinals as the top seed.

TEAM PL W D L TF PF PA PD BP POINTS ENGLAND 3 3 0 0 17 119 20 99 3 15 FRANCE 3 3 0 0 9 79 51 28 1 13 ARGENTINA 3 1 0 2 7 59 74 -15 2 6 TONGA 3 0 0 3 5 36 86 -50 1 1 USA 2 0 0 2 1 16 78 -62 0 0

WHERE TO WATCH

All USA matches in pool play are broadcast LIVE on NBCSN linear television network along with a collection of other games including the Rugby World Cup final. In addition to coverage on NBCSN, fans can also stream every game LIVE and on-demand with NBC Sports Gold’s rugby pass. To purchase rugby pass, click here. To find NBCSN in local listings, click here.

USA Schedule & Results

vs England | 45-7 (L)

vs France | 33-9 (L)

vs Argentina

October 9 | 12:45 AM ET

Kumagaya Rugby Stadium

WATCH | NBCSN + NBC Sports Gold

vs Tonga

October 13 | 1:45 AM ET

Hanazono Rugby Stadium

WATCH | NBCSN + NBC Sports Gold

VIEW FULL TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE HERE

PHOTO CREDIT | MIKE LEE/KLC FOTOS