HOUSTON, TX – This simple fact that Team USA is able to march out stellar IRB players like Chris Wyles, Samu Manoa and Takudzwa Ngwenya – players with strong teams in the Aviva Premiership and Top 14, respectively – is reason enough to watch the Eagles play. But with the always-ready Todd Clever and Mike MacDonald leading blossoming pack players like Scott LaValla and Lou Stanfill, and the crop of strong young backline candidates now getting international exposure, Team USA is now worthy of you traveling to watch them.
In Houston we got to witness all of the above and the wily Chris Wyles slotted 4 penalty kicks under enormous pressure – as though he were alone taking practice kicks. That kind of steel, nerve and execution are exactly what the Americans need and fullback Wyles did not disappoint.
We spoke with the Saracens stalwart on the sidelines at BBVA Compass Stadium, just after Ireland edged Coach Mike Tolkin’s ever-improving Eagles, 12-15 before 20,000 rabid fans.
Here is Matt McCarthy’s live, post-game talk with Chris, just after the final hooter.
We were also lucky enough to have post-game interviews with Lou Stanfill, Eagles’ captain Todd Clever, fullback Chris Wyles and scrumhalf Mike Petri.
Here’s the interview with the big man, Lou Stanfill:
Here is the the interview with Captain Clever.
Be sure to vent or voice your thoughts below and come back for the interviews with Chris Wyles and Mike Petri…
P.s… Please, look for and “Like” our Facebook Rugby Wrap Up Page and follow us on Twitter @RugbyWrapUp, @JunoirBlaber, @Declan Yeats, @Mathew Drew Turner, @Ebstide52 and @JamieLoyd, respectively. We rely on you to spread the word.