Spain have been inconsistent despite winning last weekend while the USA have won both Nations Cup matches thus far. I am backing the USA to get over the line here.
Key Stats - USA in Good Touch
- USA have won 4 of their last 6 matches.
- USA have won both their Nations Cup games.
- Spain have won 2 of their last 5 fixtures.
Head to Head
In three previous games, the USA lead Spain 2-1.
USA Four Wins in Last Six
The USA played a solid second half of rugby against Zimbabwe last weekend, winning 31-15 after trailing their opponents 15-12 at half-time.
Before that performance, the USA Men's Eagles secured a narrow victory over Portugal in their Nations Cup opener, winning 30-29.
The United States are second in the Americas-Pacific Pool with nine points from two matches.
The USA will be happy to have secured back-to-back victories in the Nations Cup and will have the belief they can win when they take on Spain, as their opponents have registered two wins in their last five fixtures.
Spain Inconsistent
Spain returned to form in their Nations Cup clash with Tonga last weekend, winning 32-19 after leading 17-5 at the break.
Earlier in the competition, the Spaniards had to settle for a share of the spoils in the opening match, drawing 42-42 with Canada.
The Los Leones occupy second place in the European-African-Asian Pool with eight points after two rounds.
Spain bounced to back winning ways after dropping points in their opening Nations Cup match, but will have to play well to beat the United States, as their opponents have won four of their last six fixtures, including three in a row.
USA vs Spain Squads
USA
Forwards: Shilo Klein, Kapeli Pifeleti, Jack Iscaro, Tonga Kofe, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Alex Maughan, Ma'ake Muti, Mason Pedersen, Jason Damm, Nathan Den Hoedt, Brandon Harvey, Nafi Ma'afu, Makeen Alikhan, Benjamín Bonasso, Cory Daniel, Paddy Ryan, Lance Williams
Backs: Ethan McVeigh, Ruben de Haas, Luke Carty, Christopher Hilsenbeck, Dominic Besag, Tavite Lopeti, Cassh Maluia, Julian Roberts, Joe Mano, Perry Mayo, Rufus McLean, Connor Mooneyham, Mark O'Keeffe, John Rizzo, Mitch Wilson
Spain
Forwards: Álvaro García, Diego González, Santiago Ovejero, Thierry Futeu, Hugo Pirlet, Lucas Santamaría, Luca Tabarot, Jon Zabala, Matthew Foulds, Ignacio Piñeiro, Antonio Suárez, Imanol Urraza, Manex Ariceta, Vicente Boronat, Ekain Imaz, Matheo Triki, Gabriel Vélez
Backs: Kerman Aurrekoetxea, Estanislao Bay, Gonzalo López-Bontempo, Bautista Güemes, Yago Fernández, Álvar Gimeno, Iñaki Mateu, Pau Aira, Martiniano Cian, Gauthier Minguillon, Jeremy Trevithick, J. W. Bell, Alberto Carmona, Jaime Manteca