US Eagles Play 2 Fourth of July Tests as Women Mark Zackary's 50th Cap
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 3
US Eagles Play 2 Fourth of July Tests as Women Mark Zackary's 50th Cap
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 3
Summary
Denver and Johannesburg host the US Eagles on America’s 250th birthday Saturday, with the men opening the Nations Cup against Portugal and the women starting a two-match series against South Africa.
50th-cap flanker Kate Zackary headlines the women’s team at Ellis Park, where coach Jack Hanratty has leaned on an experienced pack against a South Africa side ranked 10th, two places behind the US.
Portugal pose a sharper test for the men after denying the US a 2023 World Cup place and winning this year’s Rugby Europe Championship, while coach Scott Lawrence stresses set piece and kicking in a difficult July window.
Major League Rugby’s recent contraction to 6 teams and the expected closure of development side Anthem RC underline the broader challenge both squads are trying to address: growing the game while competing internationally.