USA Join Ireland In World Cup Pool

The USA have become the latest team to qualify for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, following their 54-28 aggregate play-off success over Uruguay. Coached by former Ireland boss Eddie O’Sullivan, the Americans will join Ireland, Australia, Italy and the Europe 2 qualifier in Pool C at the 2011 tournament in New Zealand.

Eddie O’Sullivan’s USA side secured their place at the 2011 Rugby World Cup by recording a 27-6 second leg win over Uruguay in Florida on Saturday.

Team captain Todd Clever led by example with two tries, while Lou Stanfill and Kevin Swiryn also touched down for the Eagles.

A second penalty from Jeronimo Etcheverry brought Uruguay back into contention at 13-6, shortly after half-time, but the sending-off of prop Mario Sagario dented the South Americans’ hopes and Clever’s touchdowns saw O’Sullivan’s men seal the issue.

Speaking after the game, the former Ireland coach said: “I was very happy with our defence, it went very well today.

“We scrummaged better and stopped their rolling maul, which were the two parts of the game that we needed to improve from last week.

“I feel happy with the way we finished. Uruguay made us work for it and it should be interesting to see how they fare in repechage.”

Uruguay will have one last chance to qualify through the cross-continental play-off.

The USA’s qualification means Ireland’s pool is almost complete, with one last qualifier from Europe to be confirmed next year.

Ireland’s opening fixture of the 2011 tournament will be against the USA in New Plymouth on Sunday, September 11, 2011.

The sides met in California last May, when a penalty try and touchdowns from Bob Casey, Ian Whitten and tour captain Rory Best guided Ireland to a 27-10 win over O’Sullivan’s charges.

2011 RUGBY WORLD CUP – POOL C:

Australia
Ireland
Italy
Europe 2
USA

IRELAND’S POOL C FIXTURES:

Sunday, September 11 – Ireland v USA, Stadium Taranaki, New Plymouth

Saturday, September 17 – Ireland v Australia, Eden Park, Auckland

Sunday, September 25 – Ireland v Europe 2, Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua

Sunday, October 2 – Ireland v Italy, Carisbrook, Dunedin