USA Rugby Faces Scotland in Autumn Nations Series Opener
USA Rugby is all set to clash with Scotland at the iconic Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh for the inaugural match of the Autumn Nations Series on November 1. This exciting encounter kicks off at 1:40 p.m. ET (5:40 p.m. GMT) and will be streamed live on Peacock.
A Snapshot of the Teams
The stakes are high as Scotland enters the match ranked No. 8 in the World Rugby Rankings, while the USA holds the No. 15 spot. The last time these two teams faced off was in July 2024 at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., where Scotland dominated with a convincing 42-7 victory over the USA.
However, the memory of 2018 is still fresh for USA fans, as it marks a landmark victory for the team: a thrilling 30-29 win against Scotland, which was the USA’s first triumph over a Tier 1 nation. In that dramatic encounter, Scotland’s Blair Kinghorn missed a crucial conversion kick that would have clinched the game for them, highlighting the unpredictable nature of rugby.
Recent Match Results
Both teams are coming off recent victories. The USA defeated Samoa with a score of 29-13, while Scotland edged out the formidable All Blacks, winning 29-26. These performances set the stage for a gripping match, as both teams aim to maintain their momentum heading into this international series.
Early Opportunities and Kick-off
As the game unfolds, Scotland quickly seeks to capitalize on early opportunities. They attempt to penetrate the USA defense but find themselves thwarted by solid defensive work from the American side.
With the starting whistle, the atmosphere at Murrayfield is electric, and both teams are eager to lay down a marker in this prestigious competition.
Last Match Stats
Reflecting on their last encounter will be crucial for both sides. Here’s how the stats played out in July 2024:
- Score: Scotland 42 – 7 USA
- Tries: Scotland 6 – 1 USA
- Passes: Scotland 154 – 73 USA
- Carries: Scotland 120 – 70 USA
- Tackles: USA 141 – 108 Scotland
- Possession: Scotland 63% – 37% USA
Scotland’s overwhelming possession and aggressive attacking play contributed to their triumph, but the USA is determined to challenge those numbers this time around.
The Squad Lineups
Scotland’s Lineup
- Rory Sutherland
- Patrick Harrison
- D’Arcy Rae
- Scott Cummings
- Marshall Sykes
- Liam McConnell
- Dylan Richardson
- Jack Dempsey
- Jamie Dobie
- Adam Hastings
- Duhan van der Merwe
- Stafford McDowall
- Ollie Smith
- Darcy Graham
- Kyle Rowe
Substitutes:
16. Harri Morris, 17. Nathan McBeth, 18. Murphy Walker, 19. Alex Samuel, 20. Max Williamson, 21. Magnus Bradbury, 22. George Horne, 23. Ross Thompson.
USA’s Lineup
- Ezekiel Lindenmuth
- Kaleb Geiger
- Pono Davis
- Marno Redelinghuys
- Jason Damm
- Vili Helu
- Cory Daniel
- Paddy Ryan
- Ruben de Haas
- Chris Hilsenbeck
- Toby Fricker
- Tommaso Boni
- Dominic Besag
- Mitch Wilson
- Erich Storti
Substitutes:
16. Sean McNulty, 17. Payton Telea-Ilalio, 18. Maliu Niuafe, 19. Tevita Naqali, 20. Makeen Alikhan, 21. Ethan McVeigh, 22. Tavite Lopeti, 23. Luke Carty.
How to Watch
Fans can catch the match live on Peacock. For international viewers, the broadcast will be available on various networks, including TNT Sports in the UK, Virgin Media in Ireland, and Stan Sport in Australia.
Schedule Highlights for Autumn Nations Series
- November 1: Scotland vs. USA, 1:40 PM ET
- November 8: Scotland vs. New Zealand, 10:10 AM ET
- November 16: Scotland vs. Argentina, 10:10 AM ET
- November 23: Scotland vs. Tonga, 8:40 AM ET
Similarly, the USA will also have key fixtures lined up, including a match against Georgia on November 8 and a face-off with Romania on November 15.
The Road Ahead
As both teams gear up for this exciting challenge, the match promises to bring forward not just skill and strategy but also a narrative rich with history and rivalry. Fans from both nations will undoubtedly be watching closely as each team aims to kick off the Autumn Nations Series with a resounding victory.