New Zealand
USA to field full strength team at a cost
ESPN Staff
October 20, 2014
A sold out Soldier Field awaits the All Blacks © Getty Images
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In less than two weeks the All Blacks will travel to Chicago to play the USA in what will be an historic match at Soldier Field. But instead of embracing the opportunity to challenge the world's best in their own backyard, team USA have been preoccupied with a battle against several English clubs to ensure their star players will be available.

The November 1st match falls outside the period where players can be released, but it appears US rugby officials have come to an agreement which will see their top players released for the encounter. The trade-off is that they must return to their clubs and will be absent in the following tests against Romania, Tonga and Fiji.

CEO of USA Rugby, Nigel Melville, told Fairfax Media "it's a case of give and take" and the sacrifice brings with it an opportunity that couldn't be passed up.

"The players want to play against New Zealand, which is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for any Eagle, but without the clubs' support they would not be available," said Melville.

Melville was also quick to note that the match marks a critical development point in USA rugby.

"This is a significant milestone in the development of the game in the USA. We will be playing the world champions, New Zealand, in an iconic football stadium, in front of a record 60,000 capacity crowd with a live broadcast via NBC with a reach of over 115 million homes in the USA," Melville told Fairfax Media.

"It is a huge opportunity for our players, coaches and fans to participate in this game and we appreciate the support of Premiership Rugby regarding player release for the game."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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