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Head coach JD Stephenson has named his Junior All-American team to travel to contest the World Rugby u20 Trophy in Zimbabwe. A strong group of 26 players will spend four days at Lindenwood University starting on April 10 before departing ahead of their opening fixture against Namibia on April 19.
A number of changes have been made to the squad that faced Canada in Texas, though 11 players who started the memorable victory will travel. Some players who were unavailable for the February match are now available, while others are now unavailable, with injuries also playing a role in the alterations.
Three new second rows are among the notable additions. Towering France-based prospect Victor Comptat joins from Brive’s academy program after missing out on the Canada game. Australian import Chad Sneyd regularly plays no8 for his Gosford club, and perhaps most interesting is Deven Marshall. Currently residing in Idaho, the 6’5″ Marshall is ironically a former Zimbabwe schools representative who will return to his home town of Harare to compete for his new country.
English hooker Ruairi Van Raalte, currently based in New Zealand, is another interesting selection, and there are two new props in wrestling standout Sam Benkowski and Life bowling ball Carter Hunchik. Giant locks George Fotu and Siaosi Mahoni are unavailable, while injury rules out flanker Malcolm May.
The backs have a more settled look to them with only one new name. Travis Heer is a late addition, replacing his Lindenwood teammate Deion Mikesell on the wing. Mikesell – one of three from the team to make their senior Eagles debuts in the Americas Rugby Championship – is unavailable and will be a loss, but the team still has the presence of star midfielder Lorenzo Thomas and captain Hanco Germishuys.
Injury appears to explain the absence of Clermont Academy’s Mose Fuala’au, while it’s not immediately clear why flying outside back Joeli Tikoisuva is not included. There is also a notable change in the coaching staff, with former Eagle prop Shawn Pittman stepping in for Peter Borlase as forwards coach. Justin Goonan, Michael Engelbrecht, and James Walton continue in the roles they occupied earlier this year.
Placed in Pool B, the All-Americans will be considered favorites to advance to the final with Namibia, Hong Kong, and Spain their opponents. The USA did not qualify for the 2015 tournament, with World Rugby opting to include only one North American representative. In 2014 they finished in 3rd place behind Tonga and tournament winners Japan.
FORWARDS
Sam Benkowski (Metropolis), Carter Hunchik (Life), Mason Pederson (Arizona), Roman Salanoa (Kahuku High), Chance Wenglewski (Lindenwood), Steven Branham (Arizona), Ruairi Van Raalte (Utiku Old Boys, NZ), Victor Comptat (Brive, FR), Deven Marshall (Boise State), Chad Sneyd (Gosford Red Devils, AU), Bronson Teles (Katy Barbarians), Malon Al-Jiboori (Lindenwood), Brennan Falcon (Louisiana State), Hanco Germishuys (capt., Glendale Raptors), Veuki Taumoefolau (Las Vegas Irish)
BACKS
Ruben de Haas (Little Rock Stormers), Louis Mulholland (Bath University, UK), Ben Cima (Rocky Gorge), Duncan van Schalkwyk (Life), Brian Hannon (IUPUI), Devin Lim (UCLA), Lorenzo Thomas (Lindenwood), Travis Heer (Lindenwood), Tyler Sousley (Arizona), Rodney Giles (Henley Hawks, UK), Mitch Wilson (Life)
Head Coach – JD Stephenson
Assistant Coach – Shawn Pittman
Assistant Coach – Justin Goonan
Manager – Michael Engelbrecht
Analyst – James Walton
Doctor – Dr. Terrence Cronin
Athletic Trainer – Brian Finn
POOL FIXTURES
Tue, Apr 19 – 04:00 EST – vs Namibia
Sun, Apr 23 – 10:00 EST – vs Hong Kong
Thu, Apr 27 – 10:00 EST – vs Spain
