Opening Kick is a segment devoted to bringing you all Eagles and U.S.A. Rugby news in one location.
Eagles:
The Eagles have named their team that will take on Tonga this Saturday. The only change to the starting lineup is Chris Wyles being replaced by Zach Pangelinan. Tonga have also named their lineup.
Wyles exclusion from the side was known to the coaching staff ahead of time. He had a previous personal commitment.
Alex Goff takes a look at the week of preparation the Eagles have had ahead of the match. (Membership required)
In what will be viewed as a controversial move, Samu Manoa was named to the Northampton starting lineup ahead of their LV= Cup match against the Newport-Gwent Dragons. Manoa was out of the Eagles tour to nurse a sore shoulder.
Women:
The Women Eagles will also been in action this weekend. They will play Italy on Sunday.
Valerie Griffeth blogs about the long day of travel it took for the team to get to Italy, while Shaina Turley explains what the team has been up to, as does Kitt Wagner.
Rugbymag had a sneak peak at some of the women's 7's teams invited to the college national championship. U.S.A. Rugby is expected to name the official list soon. (Membership required)
Brazil are looking to make a name for themselves in women's 7's, beginning in Dubai.
College/Club:
Is the qualification for the collegiate playoffs fair if each league has a different format for determining who will participate?
World:
The Junior World Championship and Junior World Rugby Trophy aren't that old but already they are having an impact on national teams around the world.
The staff at ESPNScrum looks back at some of the best moments from the autumn internationals in past years.
Spain are hoping a successful spell down in Namibia will help their chances for World Cup qualification. They started off well by defeating Zimbabwe.
Ray's Rugby previews makes predictions ahead of the the international weekend.
Various rugby outlets also have their previews: France vs. Argentina, Scotland vs. South Africa, Italy vs. New Zealand, Ireland XV vs. Fiji, England vs. Australia, and Wales vs. Samoa.
Can someone with more knowledge please explain why Ireland doesn't want to play a full international against Fiji?
RugbyWrapUp has a preview of Tier II, Tier III, and other matches taking place this weekend.
New Zealand have added Kurt Baker and Sherwin Stowers to their 7's squad ahead of Dubai.
Before people turn their full attention to Dubai, the 7's world is focused on Fiji and the Coral Coast 7's. Jonah Lomu calls Fiji the "home of 7's."
Check out these designs for the National Stadium in Tokyo. The venue would be the centerpiece of the 2019 World Cup.
Another venue is also being acclaimed. This time it's Leicester's Welford Road.
Former Fijian International Maleli Kunavore passed away yesterday at age 29. Thoughts go out to his family.
Tidbits:
Just in case you had doubts, an American Football referee says that rugby is the tougher sport.
The Eagles have named their team that will take on Tonga this Saturday. The only change to the starting lineup is Chris Wyles being replaced by Zach Pangelinan. Tonga have also named their lineup.
Wyles exclusion from the side was known to the coaching staff ahead of time. He had a previous personal commitment.
Alex Goff takes a look at the week of preparation the Eagles have had ahead of the match. (Membership required)
In what will be viewed as a controversial move, Samu Manoa was named to the Northampton starting lineup ahead of their LV= Cup match against the Newport-Gwent Dragons. Manoa was out of the Eagles tour to nurse a sore shoulder.
Women:
The Women Eagles will also been in action this weekend. They will play Italy on Sunday.
Valerie Griffeth blogs about the long day of travel it took for the team to get to Italy, while Shaina Turley explains what the team has been up to, as does Kitt Wagner.
Rugbymag had a sneak peak at some of the women's 7's teams invited to the college national championship. U.S.A. Rugby is expected to name the official list soon. (Membership required)
Brazil are looking to make a name for themselves in women's 7's, beginning in Dubai.
College/Club:
Is the qualification for the collegiate playoffs fair if each league has a different format for determining who will participate?
World:
The Junior World Championship and Junior World Rugby Trophy aren't that old but already they are having an impact on national teams around the world.
The staff at ESPNScrum looks back at some of the best moments from the autumn internationals in past years.
Spain are hoping a successful spell down in Namibia will help their chances for World Cup qualification. They started off well by defeating Zimbabwe.
Ray's Rugby previews makes predictions ahead of the the international weekend.
Various rugby outlets also have their previews: France vs. Argentina, Scotland vs. South Africa, Italy vs. New Zealand, Ireland XV vs. Fiji, England vs. Australia, and Wales vs. Samoa.
Can someone with more knowledge please explain why Ireland doesn't want to play a full international against Fiji?
RugbyWrapUp has a preview of Tier II, Tier III, and other matches taking place this weekend.
New Zealand have added Kurt Baker and Sherwin Stowers to their 7's squad ahead of Dubai.
Before people turn their full attention to Dubai, the 7's world is focused on Fiji and the Coral Coast 7's. Jonah Lomu calls Fiji the "home of 7's."
Check out these designs for the National Stadium in Tokyo. The venue would be the centerpiece of the 2019 World Cup.
Another venue is also being acclaimed. This time it's Leicester's Welford Road.
Former Fijian International Maleli Kunavore passed away yesterday at age 29. Thoughts go out to his family.
Tidbits:
Just in case you had doubts, an American Football referee says that rugby is the tougher sport.
I hate the American Football vs Rugby debate and hate those who bring it up even more. Two completely different sports. I have played one and coached both. The debate is stupid. If you ever want to see rugby evolve in this country, you'll let that stupid debate go.
ReplyDeleteSamu is starting for Northampton seriously!? Well if there was any doubt about clubs keeping our players it should now be extinguished...
ReplyDeleteSame and Z are banking Eros and Pounds by putting club before country. They'll be available when making the RWC side is on the line. Tolkin will not have the minerals to set an example and never select them again.
ReplyDeleteRegarding ire and fiji, isnt it coz the game is uncapped therefore untested threfore it wnt count toward their irb standings? Theyr prob already looking ahead
ReplyDeleteThat was my thought as well. I mostly asked the question tongue and cheek. It seems a bit cowardly to have the fixture be a non-test just to avoid the rankings.
DeleteUnder the deal for the naming rights to Aviva Stadium, the Irish Rugby Football Union agreed that no match played in any other Irish venue would be considered a test match. Ireland/Fiji is being played in Thomond Park.
ReplyDelete