North American showdown at Pacific Nations Cup finale

USA Rugby

The USA Men’s Eagles coaching staff have named the starting XV to take on Canada in the 3rd place play off of the 2026 Pacific Nations Cup.

USA Rugby by Jenni Burke | Photo Credit: Akito Iwamoto

The USA Men’s Eagles will travel to Tokyo where they turn their attention to North American rivals, Canada this Saturday at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium. USA fans can watch the action live on Paramount+

After their opening match against tournament host Japan in Osaka last week, Coach Lawrence’s squad have shifted focus forward to this week’s challenge.

Looking ahead to Canada, Captain Jason Damm commented;

“One of the biggest things we can control is our mindset as we go into this game. When we reflect on that Canada game last year, we let them get over us a little too soon. So for me, it's just coming out, setting the tone, and throwing our bodies around early, letting them know we're here… and making sure that we're sticking to our plan and controlling what we can control.”

Cassh Maluia earns his first international cap in the USA Jersey starting at inside center with Dominic Besag moving to his outside. Luke Carty starts at fly-half, while Julian Roberts steps in to start on the wing.

Lance Williams enters the starting XV at openside flanker, while Fakaosifolau Pifeleti moves off the bench to start at loosehead prop. Mason Pedersen enters the match day squad as replacement prop.

The North American USA v Canada showdown in Japan will kick off at 3:00 am ET to close out the Eagles 2026 Pacific Nations Cup campaign. USA fans can catch the action live on Paramount+.

Pacific Nations Cup USA Eagles Match Day 23

Position	Player
1	Fakaosifolau Pifeleti
2	Shilo Klein
3	Tonga Kofe
4	Jason Damm
5	Nathan Den Hoedt
6	Marno Redelinghuys
7	Lance Williams
8	Makeen Alikhan
9	Ruben De Haas
10	Luke Carty
11	Noah Brown
12	Cassh Maluia*
13	Dominic Besag
14	Julian Roberts
15	Mitch Wilson
16	Joe Taufeteʻe
17	Payton Telea-Ilalio
18	Mason Pedersen
19	Sam Golla
20	Benjamin Bonasso
21	Michael Baska
22	Chris Hilsenbeck
23	⁠Tavite Lopeti

Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026

USA v Canada

Saturday, 19 September | 3:00 AM ET

Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo

USA fans can catch the action live on Paramount+.

Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026 Results

Japan v USA (L) | 63-14

Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka

Pacific Nations Cup 2026 Staff & Coaches

Scott Lawrence | Head Coach & General Manager
Agustin Cavalieri | Assistant Coach - Forwards
Blake Bradford | Assistant Coach - Scrum
David Williams | Assistant Coach - Transition and Attack
Nathan Grey | Assistant Coach - Defense
Steve Brett | Assistant Coach - Attack and Kicking
Andy Friend | Technical Advisor
Davie Gray | Mindset Coach
Jimmy Harrison | Head of Analysis
Jim Molony | Head of Performance
Rodolfo Broggi | Strength and Conditioning Coach
Lauren DeLuca | Team Registered Dietician
Michael Buonopane | Head Athletic Trainer
Michael Sheridan | Athletic Trainer
Dr. Sam Akhavan | Team Doctor
Alana Gattinger | Head of High Performance Operations
Darran Coleman | Assistant Manager
Nick Colling | Team Manager

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