Eagles unchanged for Rugby World Cup qualifier

Nov 20, 2009 - 10:41 PM FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.(AP) -- The United States will send the same team that beat Uruguay in Montevideo last weekend to finish the job Saturday and qualify for the Rugby World Cup.

The Eagles won the first leg 27-22 and can lose by less than five points and still win on aggregate and reach their fourth consecutive Cup, in New Zealand in 2011.

"With just a five-point spread between the teams we have to approach this game as a one-off final," U.S. coach Eddie O'Sullivan said. "As far as we are concerned the score is 0-0 with 80 minutes remaining. It's all to play for."

The Eagles have lost to Uruguay only once in 20 years, and are unbeaten at home.

The Teros dropped both wingers for Alejandro Silveira and Tomas Jolivet in the only changes to their lineup, which rallied from 27-6 down to retain hope of making the World Cup.

The winner will join Pool C with Australia, Ireland, Italy and a European team yet to be determined, while the loser will advance to a second chance playoffs.