Brache to make Debut for USA against Tonga

Western Force speedster Marcel Brache has been named at inside centre for his Test debut for the USA Eagles when the Americans take on Tonga in San Sebastián, Spain on Sunday, 20 November (12:00am AWST).

Los Angeles-born Brache was called into the Eagles squad after a standout season for the Perth Spirit in the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship, scoring three tries and running for 282-metres at an average of more than seven-metres per carry.

After training solidly over the last fortnight USA Head Coach John Mitchell has opted to select the 38-cap Western Force utility back in the No.12 jersey with the option of shifting the 29-year-old to the wing if needed.

Brache’s impending Test debut will take the Western Force’s total number of internationally experienced players in the 2017 Super Rugby squad to 11.

Sunday morning will mark the third consecutive year the USA Eagles will meet Tonga on neutral ground, this time in Spain. With the USA looking for its first victory over the Pacific Island nation since the inaugural matchup between the two in 1999.

USA Eagles vs Tonga
1. Joe Taufete'e
2. James Hilterbrand
3. Chris Baumann
4. Cameron Dolan
5. Nick Civetta
6. Samu Manoa
7. Tony Lamborn
8. Andrew Durutalo
9. Nate Augspurger
10. Will Holder
11. Martin Iosefo
12. Marcel Brache
13. Thretton Palamo
14. Blaine Scully (C)
15. Madison Hughes

16. Pat Blair
17. Angus MacLellan
18. Dino Waldren
19. Al McFarland
20. Langilangi Haupeakui
21. Mike Te'o
22. JP Eloff
23. Bryce Campbell
https://www.westernforce.com.au/arti...les-test-debut

Also Steve Mafi will line up for Tonga

Tonga | v. USA
1. Tevita Mailau
2. Paula Ngauamo
3. Siua Halanukonuka
4. Steve Mafi
5. Joe Tu'ineau
6. Dan Faleafa 
7. Jack Ram
8. Tevita Koloamatangi
9. Sonatane Takulua
10. Kali Hala
11. Fetu'u Vainikolo
12. Latiume Fosita
13. Siale Piutau (C)
14. Nafi Tu'itavake
15. Telusa Veainu

Tonga | Reserves
16. Elvis Taione
17. Paea Fa'anunu
18. Sila Puafisi
19. Valentino Mapapalangi
20. Kotoni Ale
21. Tomasi Palu
22. Tevita Taufui
23. David Halaifonua
https://www.usarugby.org/2016/11/spa...gBZmobMVPOG.99

James Hilterbrandt, Marcel Brache, Steve Mafi and Elvis Taione are players that have all played or been part of the Force set up at some time.

Not only are we making a mark nationally but internationally as well. #owntheforce #needtokeeptheforce

Looks like the Spanish/Basques are using this Tonga tour as a prelude to a France-All Blacks test in Spain in the coming years...

Un Tonga-Estados Unidos en Anoeta para expandir el rugby en España

well deserved hard working gives 100% should go well :unitedstates:

Eurosport are showing this one on Sunday mornimg at 05:30.

https://www.usarugby.org/match/26544...agles-v-tonga/

SAN SEBASTIÁN, Spain -- Martin Iosefo scored his first career try at Estadio Anoeta Saturday as the Men's Eagles fought for more than 80 minutes in a 20-17 loss to Tonga.

Head Coach John Mitchell's squad finishes the November Tour 0-3 following matches against the New Zealand Maori All Blacks and Romania, and with seven athletes making their international test debuts. The experiences this fall will lead into the second year of the Americas Rugby Championship as well as the summer's tests and Rugby World Cup 2019 Qualifiers.

Much like their match in Bucharest last weekend, the Eagles found themselves on the back foot in the early stages of Saturday's game. A few missed tackles did not help as full back Telusa Veainu slid through three defenders to score under the posts after 10 minutes.

The Eagles responded well with a strong maul that set up a wider attacking platform inside Tonga's half. They got close to the line in the 15th minute, drawing a penalty for fly half Will Holder to bring the score to 7-3.

Jack Ram caught the U.S. defense unaware in the 23rd minute, detaching from the lineout maul inside Tonga's half and feeding Fetu'u Vainikolo for a 14-3 lead.

On debut, Marcel Brache took some time to acclimate in the first half, nearly leading to a third Tongan try 10 minutes from the break. Foul play from Dan Faleafa on prop Chris Baumann nullified the score, and No. 8 Andrew Durutalo kept Tonga from scoring a few minutes later by poaching the ball in front of the posts.


Read more at https://www.usarugby.org/match/26544...q30dHBSg0eY.99

The Force should do the right thing and give him an early release so he can further his international career in the States

and bring in JOC?

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Originally Posted by ranga

The Force should do the right thing and give him an early release so he can further his international career in the States

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Only if they can replace him with somebody who has the same work ethic

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ranga

The Force should do the right thing and give him an early release so he can further his international career in the States

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I wouldn't. We spent a lot of time and effort developing him, not them. Plus i think he would rather keep playing Super Rugby then drop down a few levels to US competition.