Warriors hooker Joe Taufete’e will go into USA’s Americas Rugby Championship match against Uruguay in Seattle on Saturday on the cusp of international rugby history.
Taufete’e needs one more try to become the leading front row try-scorer in international rugby. Taufete’e drew level with former Ireland hooker Keith Wood when he crossed for the 15th try of his career in USA’s victory over Chile in Santiago four weeks ago.
Taufete’e missed last week’s victory over Brazil in Austin because of a minor knee injury but returns to the starting line-up against Uruguay as one of five changes made by USA Head Coach Gary Gold, the former Warriors Director of Rugby.
Wood scored his 15 tries in 63 Tests in an international career that ran from 1994 to 2003. Taufete’e will win his 21st cap on Saturday having made his USA debut in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.