The first year the USA Selects placed 5th, the next year the improved to 2nd place. This year they didn't even win a game. They lost to the Pacific nation of Tonga A, then they lost 18-33 to the host. They then went on and got blow out by Argentina XV 15:55. I was hoping to see hte USA dept improve here.
We had the first year of Major League Rugby. We had the USA full national team repeat as champions in the Americas Championship- winning all their games.
Then earlier this year the USA selects- which is like the junior team, lost the qualification home/away series against their rivals Canada. Yes that right, Canada juniors beat out the USA Selects to participate in the U-20 World Rugby Trophy tournament - That is the Tier 2 tournament of 8 nations trying to improve in Rugby.
The USA Selects have a lot of work to do for next year to start the process all over again.
Next up will be the November Test matches, and they all look challenging.
To give the USA selects a more fare assessment we have to realize the other teams played with many capped and experienced players.
ReplyDeleteThe USA Selects used this tournamnet exactly what it was disigned for.....getting younger players international experience.