Ex-sevens flyer in line for Test debut as USA Eagles brace for Spain

Former USA Men’s Sevens flyer Noah Brown is in line for another career milestone after being named to debut at Test level against Spain. Brown is the only uncapped player in the USA Eagles’ matchday 23 ahead of the clash in Madrid at 6:45 am ET on Saturday morning.

Before moving to 15s, Brown debuted for the sevens side at the prestigious Hong Kong Sevens in 2022. The American had helped Indiana University win a 7s National Championship during his collegiate days, and that form didn’t go unnoticed.

Brown debuted at senior level for the sevens team, and was later picked with the fourth overall selection in the 2023 Major League Rugby Collegiate Draft by the Chicago Hounds. The outside back, who stands 6’0” tall, is now on the cusp of more international honours.

The potential debutant will wear the No. 22 jersey in the Spanish capital, while experienced campaigner Luke Carty will also look to add impact off the pine. Old Glory DC’s Jack Iscaro is also no stranger to Test rugby having played 12 matches for the Eagles already.

Following wins over Portugal and Tonga during their November Tests, the USA will look to make it three wins from as many starts against the Spanish. Spain are looking to bounce back from a 14-point loss to Fiji last weekend, which was still quite an impressive performance.

“It’ll be a different type of game,” head coach and General Manager, Scott Lawrence, said in a statement. “The transition from defence to attack, and attack to defence, will be a major part of the game.

“There is a type of work we want to do, I think we’ll have to work harder in this game than the previous two. It’s going to be an effort game for sure.”

Captain Greg Peterson added: “We’re expecting to see a very set piece heavy team, with a well-rounded kicking game. They’ll want to try and win those kick transitions, win the ball back and play some lose and expansive footy, so we’ve implemented a couple plans to take those strengths away.

“It’s been a short week of preparation, but the boys are on their detail and I think we’ve in a very good spot.”

Jake Turnbull, Kapeli Pifeleti and Paul Mullen line up in a new-look front row for the USA Eagles, at least comparing this roster to the side that faced Tonga. Jason Damm will pack down alongside captain Greg Peterson to round out the tight five.

Viliami Helu, Cory Daniel and Paddy Ryan will form a physical loose forward trio once again, with the halves pairing of Ruben de Haas and AJ MacGinty hoping to reap the rewards from what the pack is able to do up front.

The midfield remains unchanged with Tavite Lopeti and Dominic Besag set to combine once again, but the outside backs are a little different. While Nate Augspurger will line up on the left wing again, Mark O’Keeffe and Erich Storti come into the First XV.

USA Men’s Eagles to take on Spain

1. Jake Turnbull
2. Kapeli Pifeleti
3. Paul Mullen
4. Jason Damm
5. Greg Peterson (c)
6. Viliami Helu
7. Cory Daniel
8. Paddy Ryan
9. Ruben de Haas
10. AJ MacGinty
11. Nate Augspurger
12. Tavite Lopeti
13. Dominic Besag
14. Mark O’Keeffe
15. Erich Storti

Replacements

16. Sean McNulty
17. Jack Iscaro
18. Pono Davis
19. Tomas Casares
20. Tesimoni Tonga’uoha
21. Ethan McVeigh
22. Noah Brown*
23. Luke Carty

*Denotes potential debutant