KEY POINTS:
WASHINGTON - A versatile US lineup that is given little chance to make a dent against the giants at the Rugby World Cup is instead out to play its best in France and try to raise awareness of the sport back home.
An England hero went to America this year to become a sporting messiah, but alas for US rugby faithful it was David Beckham going to football's Los Angeles Galaxy not Jonny Wilkinson jumping to US champion Belmont Shore.
US teams won Olympic rugby gold in 1920 and 1924 but the Eagles, revived in 1976, are 48-101 with three drawn. They qualified for France by defeating Uruguay in a home-and-away series last year.
The Eagles reward was a Pool A grouping with defending World Cup champions England, resurgent South Africa plus Samoa and Tonga.
"We'll play two really tough international sides and two very good physical sides at this World Cup. We will remain the underdogs going into it," US Eagles coach Peter Thorburn said.
"The program we've been allowed to put together by USA Rugby will be as good a preparation as any non-professional team at World Cup. If we show expected improvements, and we shall, then our performances will be our judgment.
"Performances at the top end of our potential will give positive results that are essential for the sport's movement forward in America."
Players bonded at a mountain camp July 21-28 in Aspen, Colorado, by living outdoors for a stretch. The team reassembles for a week at Muscatine, Iowa, before a send-off match against Ireland's former European Cup holders Munster on August 26 at Chicago.
"We've selected several versatile players for this squad," said Thorburn, a veteran New Zealand development coach.
"My intention has always been to try to create environments for people to reach their potential. I really feel we have selected the perfect mix of players and personalities."
Mike MacDonald, a prop for Leeds Tykes, and former Leeds and Newport Gwent Dragons fly-half Mike Hercus, who holds the US record with 361 career points, figure to be stalwarts along with current Newport center-wing Paul Emerick.
A US lineup of 37 men entering the last camp featured 13 players born abroad, including three South Africans and four Tongans.
"We've picked up seven props because if we can't get the front row right, we won't give ourselves a competitive chance," Thorburn said.
"The progress that the scrum has made since the beginning of the year is very promising. We're confident we'll hold our own there."
COACH
Peter Thorburn
Noted New Zealand coach and selector. Guided All Blacks to 1989 Hong Kong Sevens title, runner-up finishes in 1988 and 1990. Coached New Zealand "A" squad in 1992-93 after five years coaching NZ trials teams. Won two NZ national titles and three runner-up showings coaching North Harbour from 1985-91. Helped rebuild senior team in 1997. Former coach at Bristol.
KEY PLAYER
Mike Hercus, 28, fly-half:
Nine tries and US record 361 points in 31 caps, made his US debut in June of 2002 against Scotland. Went to school in Sydney, Australia, where he began playing rugby at age six. Attained a business degree at University of Sydney. Played for Leeds and Newport Gwent Dragons before returning home to join Belmont Shore, a strong team in US semi-pro league.
- AFP
