Taufete’e retains Eagles starting berth in Dublin

Warriors hooker Joe Taufete’e will win his 19th cap for USA in their final Autumn International against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday.

Taufete’e has played in both of the Eagles’ matches on the European tour – victories over Samoa and Romania, and he has retained his place in the starting XV in Dublin.

Taufete’e scored his 13th international try against Samoa two weeks ago and needs only two more to equal Keith Wood’s record of most tries by a forward in international rugby. Wood, the former Ireland hooker, scored his tries in 60 Tests over a nine year period but Taufete’e only made his debut for USA in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

USA Head Coach Gary Gold, a former Warriors’ Director of Rugby, said: “We know this weekend will present our greatest challenge yet with the Ireland side still buzzing from their historic victory over the All Blacks.

“Ireland will be relentless as ever this weekend and our guys have spent the last week ensuring that they approach Saturday’s game with the level of intensity that will put us in the best position to meet the fight.”

SIGN UP TO THE WARRIORS WEEKLY NEWSLETTER