SA Rugby magazine takes a look at USA coach Gary Gold and the players he will be counting on at the World Cup.

Gold needs no introduction to South Africans, having served as Western Province and Sharks head coach, as well as assistant coach of the Springboks under Peter de Villiers. Gold’s arrival has seen the national team go through their most successful period. He is also responsible for overseeing the larger structures of USA Rugby while developing the next generation of American coaches.

Also of note to South Africans is that former Bok centre Jaque Fourie will serve as the USA’s defence coach.

Hooker Joe Taufete’e incredibly holds the record for most tries by a player in the tight five.  The 26-year-old has scored 20 tries in just 22 Tests, surpassing Irish great Keith Wood’s record. The Samoa-born player has a background in the NFL and possesses a powerful leg drive that makes him difficult to bring down.

Other than the rampaging hooker, there is Sale Sharks flyhalf AJ MacGinty and centre Marcel Brache, who is currently playing for the Western Force.

Making his Test debut in 2011, Blaine Scully was part of the squad that played in the 2011 World Cup and served as vice-captain during the 2015 World Cup. The 31-year-old fullback, who can also play wing, joined the Leicester Tigers in 2013 before moving to the Pro14 with the Cardiff Blues in 2015. He is without a club after leaving the Blues this year. At 1.9m, Scully has an impressive aerial ability and has scored more than 50 points for the Eagles.

– This is a snippet from October issue of SA Rugby magazine that previews every team at the World Cup, now on sale!  

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