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The battle for Americas 1 is over. The USA made history by qualifying as the top North American side for the first time in Rugby World Cup history. In doing so the USA underlined themselves as the leading side from North America, second to Argentina in the Americas.
For captain Todd Clever it was bitter-sweet. Playing at home in San Diego, California the flanker made his final appearance ever. Pre-match scrum-half Nate Augspurger spoke to the team in the dressing room about the importance of Clever.
Post match Clever said he would be in Japan 2019 as a supporter. He will have the opportunity of watching the Eagles face Argentina, England, France and Oceania 2. The five teams are to comprise Pool C. The Oceania qualify will be confirmed this month. Either Samoa or Tonga will be that side. Fiji qualified this weekend and will compete in Pool D.
Fiji is to compete in Pool D. That pool also contains Americas 2. The winner of Canada vs Uruguay will be that team. The two-match qualifying series will take place in January and February 2019. As it stands Canada will have home advantage for the first match. Unless Canada rises above Uruguay in the Rankings this will continue.
The prize of qualifying as Americas 2 will be a place in Pool D. The pre-qualified sides are Australia, Georgia and Wales. Fiji’s qualifying makes the task of winning a match arguably tougher than Pool C. This is based on Samoa’s level having dropped in recent years while Tonga also remains behind Fiji.
The losing side, on aggregate, of Canada vs Uruguay will have one final shot at qualifying for Rugby World Cup 2019 via repechage. This will be against countries from other continents.
