O’Sullivan hoping his Eagles will land
O’Sullivan’s side, ranked 18th in the world, have already missed one chance to qualify for the 2011 tournament in New Zealand, losing to Canada in July.
They now face Uruguay in a second opportunity to reach the championships, first playing in Montevideo on November 14 before returning to the United States for the second leg at Broward County Regional Park near Fort Lauderdale on November 21.
“Obviously it is imperative that we reach the Rugby World Cup in 2011,” O’Sullivan said.
“We allowed a great opportunity to slip away in July against Canada but we have to put that disappointment behind us and now focus on getting a result against Uruguay.”
The USA beat Canada 12-6 in Charleston on July 4 but lost 41-18 in Edmonton as their northern neighbours secured the Americas 1 spot in Pool A of the 2011 Rugby World Cup alongside hosts New Zealand, France, Tonga and a team from Asia still to be decided.
If the Eagles defeat 21st-ranked Uruguay, they will seal the Americas 2 berth in Pool C, which has Australia as its top seeds and O’Sullivan’s former charges Ireland as well as Italy and an additional European qualifier.
“Uruguay will be a difficult test for us to overcome,” O’Sullivan said.
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