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Who does the USA play against the most? In the third of a series looking at the Americas’ international opposition today we look at the USA’s test matches from 1995.
During this common era the USA has played against a total of 25 countries. This is a larger number than that of Argentina during the same period. It is, however, smaller than that of Canada’s. Like the northern neighbor the USA’s opponents have come in all variations. That is to say the Eagles have played against Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 countries.
The 25 countries listed are all World Rugby members. Matches involving USA Selects, or opposition ‘A’ sides do not qualify. Also excluded are matches againsy the likes of the Barbarians and New Zealand Māori where test caps were not awarded. Much of the defunct Churchill Cup is therefore not included.
| OPPONENT | TESTS (RWC) |
| Argentina | 4 |
| Australia | 3 (2) |
| Barbados | 1 |
| Brazil | 1 |
| Canada | 36 |
| Chile | 3 |
| England | 3 (1) |
| Fiji | 6 (1) |
| France | 2 (1) |
| Georgia | 4 |
| Hong Kong | 6 |
| Ireland | 7 (2) |
| Italy | 4 (1) |
| Japan | 17 (2) |
| New Zealand | 1 |
| Portugal | 2 |
| Romania | 5 (1) |
| Russia | 7 (1) |
| Samoa | 5 (2) |
| Scotland | 5 (2) |
| South Africa | 3 (2) |
| Spain | 3 |
| Tonga | 9 (1) |
| Uruguay | 14 |
| Wales | 6 |
Most and Least Frequent Opponents
The Eagles’s most common opponent has been Canada. With 36 test matches against the northern neighbors it has far-and-away been the most common fixture. The second most common has been Japan with 17 matches, three more than Uruguay.
Despite playing in the Pacific Nations Cup Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga do not place highly. Tonga is the highest of the three but Russia comes in above the two others. Brazil and Chile’s low listing is temporary. Annual matches in the Americas Rugby Championship will see both far higher within a number of years.
The USA’s least frequent opponents have been Barbados, Brazil, and New Zealand. The Eagles have faced each country once each. France and Portugal are next in line with two matches against each.
Excluding Rugby World Cups
Does excluding Rugby World Cup matches from the count alter the figures? Yes it does. On the one hand the USA has played Australia, France, Japan, Samoa, Scotland, and South Africa in two World Cup matches apiece. On the other the Eagles have not played Georgia or Hong Kong at a World Cup.
Tier 2 Comparison
Tonga has had 26 opponents during this period. The variation of opponent, though, has been significantly different. Tonga has played Fiji and Samoa 28 and 23 times each. Japan is third with 15 matches followed by the USA with 9 and Canada with 6. Eight countries have played Tonga once.
Canada has played against 27, two more than the USA. Of note has been Canada’s playing more matches against Tier 1 sides in Europe. The USA’s fixtures against Tier 1 opposition have fallen in Rugby World Cups or at home, typically once a year in June.
Georgia has had 31 opponents in total. Ranging from 17 t0 20 matches Portugal, Romania, Russia and Spain have played Georgia most frequently. With 8 matches the Czech Republic is next and there only side to have played Georgia more than 5 times.
Japan has had 28 opponents, one more than Canada. South Korea, and Kong Hong come in first and second with 24 and 20 fixtures respectively. Canada and the USA follow with 19 and 17 matches. Fifth place goes to Tonga with 15 matches, one more than Samoa and Fiji.
Japan’s opposition list is thereby vastly different to that of Canada, Tonga, and Georgia. Japan has frequently played against all of Canada, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and the USA. Japan has also had five matches against each of Georgia, Romania, and Russia. Like Canada, the Tier 1 side to have faced Japan the most is Wales having done so nine times.
